Structural Electronics Market By Type (Battery, OLED Display, OLED Lighting, Photovoltaic, Others), Application (Automotive, Aerospace, Consumer Electronics and Others), Region - Market Perspective, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast for 2023 – 2032

Market Perspective

The global Structural Electronics Market size was worth around USD 46.9 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow to around USD 79.5 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of around 5.4% between 2023 and 2032.

The market for structured electronics is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years due to several key factors. The first is the rapid development of materials science, which has led to the creation of flexible, electrically conductive materials that can be used to create lightweight and versatile electronic components. Public funding has also played an important role in promoting the development of this industry, as governments seek to invest in new technologies that can drive economic growth and create jobs.

Another key driver of the structured electronics market is the growing demand for compact, cost-effective products. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and other connected technologies, there is an increasing need for electronic components that can be integrated into a wide range of devices and appliances. Structured electronics offer a high degree of flexibility, which makes it possible to optimize space and create more efficient and effective products.

In addition to these factors, advances in 3D printing technologies and the development of stretchable conductive materials are also driving the growth of the structured electronics market. These technologies are enabling the creation of complex, customized electronic components that can adapt to a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Key Insights

• Based on the type, the OLED display segment held the largest market share
• Based on application, the automotive segment generated the highest revenue
• Based on region, North America accounted for the largest market share

Advancement in 3D Technology and Emergence of IoT Technology Augments the Market Growth

The structural electronics market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven in part by advancements in 3D printing technology and the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT). Advancements in 3D printing technology have enabled the creation of more complex and intricate structures, which can incorporate electronic components into their design. This has led to the development of new products and applications, such as smart textiles and wearable devices, which have the potential to transform industries such as healthcare, sports, and fashion.

The emergence of IoT technology has created new opportunities for structural electronics, as it allows for the seamless integration of electronic components into everyday objects and environments. This has led to the development of smart buildings, where sensors and other IoT devices are embedded directly into the structure, enabling improved energy efficiency, security, and automation.

Significant Growth in the Automotive Sector Provides Lucrative Opportunities for the Market Growth

The growing automotive industry and the proliferation of connected cars create lucrative opportunities for the market. For connected cars, structural electronics are the most important elements which are integrated into the vehicle and the chassis to resemble the human nervous system and enable immediate recognition of contact and damage.

In addition, automobile companies are adapting to new technologies that are lightweight and small components which accelerate the demand for structural electronics. The emergence of hybrid/electric cars is expected to use structural electronics in the coming years as printed organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are introduced inside and outside car roofs. Structural electronics include electronic components and circuits that act as load protection structures, replacing or adjusting dumb structures (such as car bodies). The critical ability of structural electronics to reduce product weight is predicted to disrupt the automotive industry.

The dearth of Technical Specialists and Fluctuating Raw Material Costs are Hampering the Market Growth

The ongoing shortages and longer-than-average lead time for procuring critical electronic components and raw materials increase the overall cost of structural and electronic components. In addition to this, the limited availability of technical expertise and logistics issues slow down the overall market growth. In line with this, manufacturers around the globe are also implementing efficiency-enhancing technologies to increase revenue or reduce operating costs to offset rising component prices. Increasing automation, such as the introduction of robotics, robotic process automation, and artificial intelligence (AI), can help manufacturers increase productivity but also requires expertise that restricts market growth.

Recent Development

In December 2022: Researchers from IMEC and KU Leuven developed a 3D structure of interconnected nanowires which are used in industrial process applications such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, and batteries. These are commercially available for megawatt hydrogen production, classical alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), and proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEM).

In April 2022: TactoTek launched Injection Molded Structural Electronics (IMSE) technology which is licensed by DuraTech Industries and is delivered to customers in North America and around the world from US manufacturing facilities. The TactoTek IMSE technology is an advanced form of IME that contains electronic components such as LEDs for lighting and System-in-Package (SiP) electronics within smart 3D injection molded structures, expanding the capabilities and uses of smart surfaces.

Segmentation Analysis

Based on the type, the market is categorized into the battery, OLED display, OLED lighting, photovoltaic, and others. The OLED display is the dominating segment owing to the increasing demand for flexible display panels, mainly OLED display panels, and the increase in adoption of large-screen devices, such as televisions and digital signage solutions, which are increasing the market growth.

Based on application, the market is segmented into automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and others. The automotive segment is the dominating segment owing to the growing use of smart cars, and the elements of structural electronics would be integrated into the body and underground carriage of the vehicle, thus resembling the human nervous system and allowing cars to recognize touch and damage immediately.

North America is Dominating the Market Due to Increasing Investments in Advanced Electronic Solutions and Technologies

North America is dominating the global structural electronics market owing to the increased investments in advanced electronic solutions and technologies. The wider adoption of structural electronics in the region is due to the large-scale production and consumption of wiring, photovoltaic products, and sensors used in high-end automobiles and aerospace vehicles. Structural electronics has made remarkable progress in the US, supported by extensive R & D activities. Apart from this, the region is concreating its market position as a result of propelling demand for the high-tech flexible electronics industry for high-tech military applications.

Europe is the Fastest Growing Market Owing to the Proliferating Demand for Smart Wearables Integrated into Consumer Electronics

Europe is the fastest-growing region in the global structural electronics market due to the strong demand for smart wearables integrated into consumer electronics, especially across Germany and the UK. Moreover, regional growth is majorly driven by improvements in 3D technology and the rise of IoT technology in the region. Furthermore, there is an increase in the demand for lightweight, cost-effective, and compact products, thereby augmenting their usage in a wide range of applications across the region.

Competitive Landscape

• Boeing
• Faradair Aerospace
• KU Leuven
• Magna International Inc.
• Molex, LLC
• Neotech AMT GmbH
• Optomec, Inc.
• Panasonic Corporation
• Robert Bosch GmbH
• TACTOTEK
• TAKACHI ELECTRONICS ENCLOSURE CO., LTD.

The global structural electronics market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Battery
• OLED Display
• OLED Lighting
• Photovoltaic
• Others

By Application

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Consumer Electronics
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Nordic countries
    • Denmark
    • Finland
    • Iceland
    • Sweden
    • Norway
  • Benelux Reunion
    • Belgium
    • The Netherlands
    • Luxembourg
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Malaysia
    • Singapore
    • Rest of Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America