The biannual survey flexible and printed electronics industry by the Organic and Printed Electronics Association (OE-A) forecasts double digit growth in 2026.
Revenue growth is forecast to rise 14 percent in 2026 compared to 2025. Despite the industry facing global uncertainties and challenging business conditions, OE-A officials said the survey found research and employment in printed electronics are trending up.
The OE-A members are world-class global companies and institutions, ranging from R&D institutes, mechanical engineering companies and material suppliers to producers and end-users. Two hundred companies from Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa are in the association that promotes the establishment of a competitive production infrastructure for organic and printed electronics.
Dr. Hecker Analysis
Dr. Klaus Hecker, Managing Director of the OE-A, stated the business climate survey paints a mixed but overall stable and positive picture for the industry.
“The results of our business climate survey show that the printed electronics industry remains on track,” said Dr. Hecker in a statement. “Companies are acting cautiously, investing specifically in research and development, and retaining their employees. Despite the turbulent situation caused by wars and US tariff policy, the industry is looking ahead.”
Turbulent 2025
The survey reveals different trends: while just under 60 percent of companies anticipate industry growth this year, this figure was significantly higher at 77 percent in the previous survey in spring. The industry expects sales growth of seven percent for 2025, which is a slight decline compared to the previous survey in February 2025 (nine percent). Expectations for order intake are also lower than in the spring survey.
Hecker noted that 54 percent of companies stating that they are scaling back their investments in production
“The current survey results highlight pressure to adjust, investments in production are only being increased very cautiously,” he said. “The consequences of the geopolitical situation and the crisis in the automotive industry are also reflected in the results.”
Sales Growth for 2026
The the sales growth of 14% in 2026 is a slight increase compared to the beginning of the year. Further encouraging signs include improved employment prospects as 30 percent of companies plan to increase their workforce in the coming months — up from 10 percent in February. The remaining 70 per cent expect stable employee numbers. Research and development is also developing positively: 74 percent of the companies surveyed want to further expand their R&D activities, which is a significant increase compared to the last survey.
Despite navigating a challenging market environment, there are indications that 2026 will bring a more positive outlook, said Dr. Hecker.
“This clear commitment to innovation underscores our industry’s determination to strengthen competitiveness and adapt to changing market conditions,” says Klaus Hecker. “By investing specifically in research and development, companies are setting the course for further product innovation and long-term growth.”