Will Industry 4.0 supercharge India’s progress in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing? IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell shared more strategies on the country’s evolving ESDM ecosystem with EFY’s Nijhum Rudra.
Q. Can you describe the growth of India’s electronics industry and how soon you think will India be able to lead the global value chain?
A. India’s expanding consumer base, driven by a growing middle class and increased demand for electronics, mirrors global trends. India’s core focus on 5G, IoT, AI fosters need for advanced electronics, components, and semiconductors. IPC’s global standards and certification programmes are vital in supporting Indian manufacturers in meeting international quality benchmarks, which are crucial as India integrates more profoundly into the global value chain.
While India is making strides in semiconductor manufacturing, a key area for the future, it will also need to further develop advanced technology capabilities, such as Industry 4.0. IPC’s role in providing industry intelligence, certification, and educational resources is crucial. It helps Indian manufacturers stay informed, enhance their processes, and compete globally, ensuring they are always prepared for the next technological leap.
In the coming five to ten years, India has the potential to become a major player in the global electronics value chain. This achievement will be underpinned by factors such as semiconductor self-sufficiency and supply chain efficiency. Equally important will be the adoption of global standards, where IPC will continue to provide leadership in training, certification, and best practices. This commitment to quality will reassure stakeholders about the high standards of India’s growing electronics industry.
Q. What challenges could threaten India’s target of $300 billion in electronics production by 2026 and $500 billion by 2030, and what strategies or solutions are needed?
A. The government of India places a high priority on electronics manufacturing, ensuring that India becomes a global centre for design and manufacturing. Challenges may arise from the new technologies requiring costly investments that take time to implement. To stay competitive, companies must keep up with the cost and speed of adopting new technologies to make their operations more efficient. Another challenge is one faced universally, and that is the lack of skilled workers. India is beginning to address this critical issue by ensuring workforce training, which helps build a strong workforce.
Q. How does IPC support Indian OEMs, EMS, and PCB manufacturers in growing their businesses and becoming globally competitive? Can you share some success stories or case studies?
A. IPC Community magazine highlights several stories of how IPC helps manufacturers grow their business and become globally competitive. You can find many stories about how members used IPC standards, EMS meetings, IPC standards development committees, free webinars, and workforce education to ensure that companies are more successful. We also advocate for members of governmental agencies in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Q. What solutions and services do you offer to small and medium organisations as well as large global firms? Are there any upcoming services for electronics manufacturers that could be game changers?
A. Market research (industry intelligence), free standards, education and training, certification exams, access to the Wiring Harness Manufacturers Association (WHMA), events and webinars throughout the year help us with outreach and support for the industry.
At IPC, we recognise the unique needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and global large-scale organisations. For SMEs, we provide a range of tailored solutions, including flexible training programmes, free access to specific industry standards, and certification exams designed to boost their market competitiveness. Additionally, our market research and industry intelligence services give smaller organisations the insights they need to stay ahead of industry trends without stretching their resources.
Our offerings are more expansive for global large-scale organisations. We deliver comprehensive services, including advanced certification and training programmes, international advocacy, and in-depth industry research. These companies also benefit from our year-round events, webinars, and access to WHMA, all designed to support continuous learning and industry engagement. Our customised consultancy services further help these organisations streamline operations and ensure compliance with international standards.
As we look to the future, we are excited about several upcoming services that we believe could be game changers for electronics manufacturers. One of the most promising is the integration of AI and machine learning into quality control processes. This technology has the potential to transform how manufacturers detect and address defects, leading to significant improvements in production efficiency and product reliability. This service could significantly enhance product quality and operational efficiency across the industry by reducing waste and lowering costs.
Q. What is your pricing structure for the Indian SMBs and the global MNCs? Is your membership pricing the same for Indian and global companies?
A. IPC membership, which is determined by the company’s annual revenue, offers a unique global reach. It covers all unit or plant locations and employees around the world for one flat rate. For Indian SMBs with a turnover less than US$1 million, the annual fee is US$675. We also offer additional discounts for 2-3 years membership. For companies joining IPC for the first time, there is a special 50% discount. It is worth noting that most global companies operating in India have their membership from their headquarters.
Q. Are you now providing services only for the electronics manufacturers and suppliers? Which are the various verticals in which you are providing services? Is there any plan of expansion into other segments?
A. While our core focus at IPC remains on providing comprehensive services to electronics manufacturers and suppliers, our reach, indeed the reach of electronics, extends to every sector. Thus, IPC services strongly impact several verticals, including aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, medical devices, and defence. Each of these industries relies heavily on electronics, and we have tailored our offerings to meet their specific needs, ensuring compliance, quality, and innovation.
As for expansion, we always look at emerging trends and technologies to identify new opportunities where our expertise can add value. While we continue to deepen our involvement in our existing verticals, we are also exploring potential growth into adjacent sectors where electronics play a crucial role, such as ESG and smart infrastructure. We aim to stay at the forefront of industry advancements, ensuring we provide the highest standards of service and value of products and services across a broad spectrum of industries utilising electronics.
Q. Why do you think SMBs, and global manufacturers will join IPC as members or rather consult you for their problems? What sets you apart from other electronics industry associations?
A. As a global industry-driven organisation, IPC plays a pivotal role in the electronics industry, existing to help its member companies innovate, compete, and succeed. As the hub of knowledge, IPC provides standards, training and certification, industry intelligence, education, business networking and technology events, and public policy advocacy. Our role is not just to provide these services but to actively encourage the participation of all our members, making them integral to the industry’s growth. More than 3000 companies worldwide depend on IPC programmes and services, a testament to our value to the industry.
Q. How satisfied are you with the government’s current policies and incentives? Would you like to highlight or address any particular recommendation or message to the government?
A. India is a new hub for electronics system design and manufacturing. Robust local demand is a major driver for electronics manufacturing in India. The government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the promotion of manufacturing of electronic components and semiconductors and the modified electronics manufacturing clusters scheme are the proper steps to make India an electronics destination. The government is signing several free trade agreements with many important countries, increasing India’s export competitiveness.
IPC members are excited about the printed circuit board assembly opportunities in India. PCBA is the core of every electronic device, such as mobile phones, tablets, computers, routers, televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, and India should interest major manufacturers in the industry.
The electronics manufacturing industry, a significant contributor to India’s economy, currently employs over two million people. IPC, in its commitment to support the government of India, is providing resources that will help electronics manufacturers create better quality products and enhance job skills. IPC India’s association with missions like ‘Make in India,’ ‘Digital India’ and ‘Skill India’ underscores our role in shaping the future of the electronics industry in India, instilling confidence in our collective efforts.
Q. What type of unified approach is required for the EMS industry? Is IPC also working closely with the government to help Indian electronics manufacturers to grow?
A. IPC works closely with the EMS industry worldwide to provide updates on industry information specific to EMS companies, hosting events throughout the year with speakers who can discuss relevant topics and a place where EMS leaders can share, create, and consider solutions to industry challenges.
