If electronics doesn’t become intelligent, it becomes irrelevant

While deglobalization is reshaping supply chains and geopolitical priorities are redrawing manufacturing maps, an even bigger transformation is unfolding beneath the surface. Artificial Intelligence, particularly Generative AI, is changing the very nature of products, businesses and leadership. The companies that recognise this shift early will shape the industry’s future. Those that don’t may discover that manufacturing excellence alone is no longer enough.

Deglobalization has changed the rules

Over the past few years, the global electronics industry has experienced one of its biggest structural shifts in decades. Supply chains that once optimised purely for cost are now being redesigned for resilience. Semiconductor sovereignty, regional manufacturing, friend-shoring and diversified sourcing have become boardroom priorities.

This is more than a logistics adjustment. It represents a new business philosophy where continuity often outweighs cost optimisation. The ability to manufacture closer to key markets, secure strategic components and respond quickly to geopolitical disruptions is becoming a competitive differentiator.

Yet while companies focus on where products should be manufactured, a far bigger question deserves equal attention.