Interview: Innovation key to global economic revival, says CEA boss

Interview: Innovation key to global economic revival, says CEAboss

by Xinhua writers Ren Haijun, Liu Lina

LAS VEGAS, United States, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Innovation inelectronics and other industries will revive the global economy,according to head of the organizing body of the 2011 InternationalConsumer Electronics Show (CES).

"I feel confident that innovation, such as the technologies thatwill be on display at the 2011 CES, will reinvigorate the globaleconomy," Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the ConsumerElectronics Association (CEA), told Xinhua in an interview duringthe ongoing CES in Las Vegas.

"Innovation spurs growth and creates jobs, and I believe it isthe key to a renewed and prosperous economy."

The 2011 CES kicked off on Thursday with more than 2,700exhibitors unveiling some 20,000 new innovative products, up fromthe 2010 CES which featured 2,500 exhibitors.

According to Shapiro, major technology trends expected on theshow floor include the latest in broadband connectivity withInternet-enabled products and services spanning several productcategories, major tablet announcements, smartphone announcements andapps for each of the major platforms, networked TV and smartappliances.

"These innovative products will advance economic growth aroundthe world, including China and all Asian economies, which willaccount for 36 percent of global revenue share in 2010," he said.

PRICE NOT BIG PROBLEM FOR 3DTV

On 3DTV, Shapiro did not think price was a big problem.

"3D is still an emerging home entertainment technology. As withmany emerging technologies, after the initial release and as moreproducts are introduced to the market place, price points in 3DTVswill most likely decline slightly over time, making the technologymore affordable for households," Shapiro said.

Moreover, the expert said the entire 3D ecosystem will be shownthroughout the 2011 International CES with 3D technologies that spanvarious categories including digital imaging, in-vehicletechnologies and mobile devices. The 2011 CES will showcase evenlarger 3DTVs, however the big story this year will be 3D as afeature of TVs, rather than defining television itself.

Additionally, several companies will showcase various platformsin 3D eyewear and accessories at the 2011 CES, including 3D activeshutter eyewear and auto-stereoscopic solutions -- 3D without theneed for eyewear.

ROSY FORECAST FOR ELECTRONICS

Shapiro was also optimistic about the future of the consumerelectronics industry.

After a down year in 2009, the consumer electronics industry grew13 percent last year and is expected to grow an additional 10percent this year to 964 billion U.S. dollars, thanks largely to thedemand for smartphones and notebook computers, the CEA predicted.

The association also expects electronics sales to grow in allmajor markets around the world, but to be especially strong inWestern Europe, North America and China.

The CEA recently released findings from the Consumer Index ofConsumer Expectations, which showed that consumer confidence in theoverall economy is at its highest point in 18 months.

The figures have been improving for five consecutive months,indicating that consumers are truly gaining confidence in theeconomy. Moreover, findings from CEA's Consumer Index of ConsumerTechnology Expectations, which measures technology spending, alsoreached a new high in December, rising nearly eight points overNovember to 93.7.

"These findings indicate that despite some continued uneasiness,individuals are feeling more confident about their financial outlookin the months to come," Shapiro said.

The CEA is a U.S. trade association promoting growth in theconsumer technology industry. It represents more than 2,000corporate members involved in the design, development,manufacturing, distribution and integration of consumer electronicsproducts.