Samsung Leads in Printed, Flexible and Organic Electronics Innovation

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired - Nov 13, 2014) - Samsung, Merck, BASF, Sony and Philips are the world's leading innovators in printed, flexible and organic electronics (PFOE), according to Lux Research, which rated corporations based on both internal R&D spending and open innovation activities. 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.

"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. Among their findings:

• R&D spending and open innovation are correlated. Companies with over $1.5 billion in R&D spending tend to score high in open innovation. However, companies' overall revenue and open innovation were not correlated.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Printing industry leads in open innovation. Of all industries covered, printing had the highest average open innovation scores, as companies like Toppan Printing and Nissha Printing formed alliances to leverage their printing expertise into electronics uses.
  
  

The report, titled "Benchmarking Corporate Activity in Printed, Flexible, and Organic Electronics," is part of the Lux Research Printed, Flexible, and Organic Electronics Intelligence service.

About Lux Research

Lux Research provides strategic advice and ongoing intelligence for emerging technologies. Leaders in business, finance and government rely on us to help them make informed strategic decisions. Through our unique research approach focused on primary research and our extensive global network, we deliver insight, connections and competitive advantage to our clients. Visit www.luxresearchinc.com for more information.