Samsung tops printed, flexible and organic electronics space

Lux Research has recently reported that Samsung, Merck, BASF, Sony and Philips are making remarkable headway in printed, flexible and organic electronics (PFOE). Samsung Electronics is the standout with estimated PFOE R&D spending of $1.2 billion, as well as high open innovation scores due to its extensive outside partnerships and investments, stated the market analyst.

"Electronics and chemicals companies are the most active in PFOE today, while emerging applications like smart packaging have received less support," said Jon Melnick, Lux Research senior analyst, who led the study titled, "Benchmarking Corporate Activity in Printed, Flexible and Organic Electronics."

"Automotive will become the next attractive market, since companies are investing in R&D and are open to collaborations," he added.

Lux Research profiled 238 public corporations in the PFOE space across 11 industries to assess the competitive landscape, identify partnership opportunities and industry leaders. According to the market analyst, R&D spending and open innovation are correlated. Companies with more than $1.5 billion in R&D spending tend to score high in open innovation. However, companies' overall revenue and open innovation were not correlated. Lux Research also revealed that Asia-Pacific region tops in PFOE R&D spending. With Samsung tilting the scales, APAC companies top PFOE research spending across all industries with an average of $22 million. Europe leads in chemicals and materials with an average of $23 million. Moreover, printing industry leads in open innovation. Of all industries covered, printing had the highest average open innovation scores, as companies such as Toppan Printing and Nissha Printing formed alliances to leverage their printing expertise into electronics uses.