Adelaide's electronics industry analysed

The Adelaide electronics industry has been put under the microscope, with EIDA (Electronics Industry Development Adelaide) conducting a research survey to analyse the characteristics and structure of the city’s electronics industry — including its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Survey respondents recognised electronics as a core industry in the state’s transition to the ‘Knowledge Age’ future and noted the strength of SMEs, their diverse capability, their agile response and the high value-adding of their IP. Industry sustainability was noted through the combined effect of high-technology design and low-volume production. Respondents also recognised the industry as a leader in the transition of the economy from ‘Industrial Age’ manufacturing to the new ‘Knowledge Age’ industry future.

The low level of understanding of the industry by community and governments was noted as its greatest weakness. Low levels of collaboration between the industry and research sectors and industry capability gaps were also noted weaknesses. Greatest opportunity was reported in the collaboration of industry and research sectors and greater industry-to-industry and industry-and-government collaboration.

The greatest threat to the industry was seen as the reduction of government-funded research at DSTO (Defence Science and Technology Organisation) or its closure. Other threats identified included the reduction or cessation of defence shipbuilding. The high value of the Australian dollar, the future shortage of trained and skilled staff and foreign copying of IP were also seen as significant threats. A level of concern was also expressed about the competition from firms assisted by government to relocate to Adelaide.

Survey results are available from http://eida.asn.au/topic/summary-report-on-eida-swot-survey-2015.