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One World, One Industry
Column from: John Mitchell
In his monthly “One World, One Industry” column, IPC President and CEO John Mitchell covers issues affecting the entire global electronics industry supply chain with specific expertise on global standards, education, advocacy and solutions.
Mitchell began his engineering career at General Electric Aerospace. In 1992, he joined Alpine Electronics and became a founding member of its research company which is credited for introducing navigation systems to the U.S. market. During his tenure at Alpine, he held several positions, including manager of software engineering and director of IT. His background includes management of both nonprofit and electronics industry organizations.
Mitchell’s academic credentials include a doctorate in higher education management from University of Georgia; an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University and a B.S. in electrical and computer engineering from Brigham Young University. He is fluent in Japanese and is experienced in producing successful business results internationally.
March 06, 2025
One World, One Industry: IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Marks a Special Anniversary Year
This year marks the 25th anniversary of IPC APEX EXPO and IPC is thrilled to celebrate this event milestone with attendees, exhibitors, and presenters. Their dedication to and involvement in IPC APEX EXPO is directly responsible for its success and their efforts clearly illustrate how the entire electronics manufacturing industry comes together to “Reimagine the Possibilities of Electronics” (our theme for this year).February 21, 2025
One World, One Industry: Mapping the Future of the Electronics Workforce
When we think of everything that impacts the world economy, I can’t help but think of electronics. They impact everything. As you have heard me say over the past few years, electronics is no longer a vertical, it’s a horizontal. As practically every industry sector relies on natural resources like water and fossil fuels, they also rely on a manmade resource—electronics. From agriculture to automotive and AI to aerospace, I can’t think of any industry that does not rely heavily upon electronics as it maps out the future.September 18, 2024
One World, One Industry: Mastering Technology Prognostication
Technological road mapping plays a fundamental role in many companies’ innovation strategies. While doing product development and organizational planning in the industry, I found roadmaps to be excellent tools for strategic and future planning. They are a crucial skill in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.August 08, 2024
One World, One Industry: To Thrive, Surround Yourself with Good People
At various times in my career, I have been asked how to be successful or to thrive in business. There are many answers to this question, which differ depending on the situation you find yourself in. Some of the basics I have heard most often include working hard, staying focused on just a few things, always doing the right thing—it will ultimately pay long-term dividends—and many others.April 04, 2024
One World, One Industry: Sustainability Challenges—A Collaborative Approach
My personal belief is that changes to the electronics industry due to sustainability will be the most far-reaching in the industry’s history. This is not about if sustainability will impact us, but about when and if my organization will be left behind. We need to accelerate work that promotes sustainability and aims to achieve the ambitious sustainability goals set before us. The “we” includes all of us as individuals, but also as valued members of the global electronics manufacturing community. This diverse community can together address our greatest sustainability challenges.March 12, 2024
One World, One Industry: What’s Next Becomes Now at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
An extraordinary experience awaits attendees in Anaheim, California, when IPC APEX EXPO 2024 hosts the 16th Electronic Circuits World Convention (ECWC), an international PCB symposium held every three years in different cities worldwide. Combined, IPC APEX EXPO 2024 and ECWC16 will bring over 9,000 professionals from 60+ countries together in one location. The opportunity to gain perspectives from peers and industry leaders, manufacturing innovators, and subject matter experts from all corners of the world is a valuable opportunity for all attendees.January 03, 2024
One World, One Industry: ‘Blocking and Tackling’ During Tough Economic Times
There never seems to be an easy time to be in the electronics industry. Supply chain challenges are prevalent, never seem to be solved, finding talent has been a challenge for 30 years, and constant pressure on margins means a business leader can never sit still as regulations and tariff rules change on a regular basis.September 06, 2023
One World, One Industry: Developing Your Team to Become Great Implementors
Strategy is all about choices, and most often choosing what not to do. Too many organizations strive to do too much and because of that end up doing very little as well as they might have. We see this principle highlighted in many of the structural changes happening in major organizations. Very large companies are often splitting their organizations into separate divisions to allow focus or even spinning off portions of their business; again, focus is often the motivator.February 14, 2023
One World, One Industry: Advanced Packaging Year in Review
Over the past year, IPC has stepped up its efforts to educate policymakers and other key audiences on the importance of investing in the entire semiconductor supply chain to achieve the goals of the CHIPS and Science Act, including in advanced packaging and printed circuit boards. Our message to policymakers is that building a more robust, domestic ecosystem for advanced electronics will require four key policy decisions.January 02, 2023
One World, One Industry: Advance in a New Era
At IPC APEX EXPO 2023, we look forward to connecting with you as we “Advance in a New Era of Electronics Manufacturing.” This year’s IPC APEX EXPO will be one of our most exciting as we share ideas, insights, and new discoveries on topics ranging from substrates, packaging, and automation to data analytics, cybersecurity, and Factory of the Future. IPC APEX EXPO is the ideal place for electronics manufacturing industry members to meet and collaborate with peers, leaders, and innovators from around the world, not only during educational sessions, but also on the show floor, in standards development committees, and at a variety of networking events and receptions.November 29, 2022
One World, One Industry: Rallying Around a Robust Ecosystem
After a multi-year advocacy effort, the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act has been enacted and the funding is now in place for its implementation. At a time in which it is easy to be cynical about Washington, the CHIPS and Science Act is further proof that U.S. political leaders can come together on a bipartisan basis and do big things. Notably, the U.S. is not alone in seeking to strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry. Governments globally are marshaling resources and policy mechanisms to make their own semiconductor industries more competitive in the global marketplace.September 29, 2022
One World, One Industry: Opportunities in India for Electronics Manufacturing
As president and CEO of the global electronics industry association, I have many opportunities to visit electronics manufacturing companies worldwide. Recently, while in India, I had the pleasure of attending Integrated Electronics Manufacturing & Interconnections (IEMI), a celebration of 10 years of IPC activities in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the middle east Africa region. I was encouraged by how much growth has occurred over the past decade. Poised to become a global manufacturing hub, India is emerging as a dynamic market for our industry. The government has opened its doors to foreign investors, laying out the red carpet for manufacturing companies, and the industry is thriving.July 26, 2022
One World, One Industry: Is the U.S. Government Ready to Meet the Test of Technological Leadership?
Supply chain disruptions related to the COVID pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and other factors are forcing companies to rethink their global manufacturing operations and suppliers with an eye toward hedging against risk. For close to a decade, IPC has been encouraging its members to establish a layered approach to supply chain management, one that recognizes that companies must have multiple supply chains that complement one another. The challenge for companies that pursue this layered approach has always been managing the tension between supply chain risk and optimization. Hedging against risk raises costs, while fully cost-optimized supply chains can expose companies to disastrous risk.July 08, 2022
One World, One Industry: Opening New Opportunities in Mexico
IPC and WHMA have long supported the electronics assembly and wire harness manufacturing industries in Mexico, but recent regional growth coupled with supply chain disruptions necessitated a closer relationship. Lorena Villanueva, the new director of IPC Mexico, will be based in Mexico City and her presence will help IPC provide better support, training, and engagement with Mexico-based companies and personnel.April 21, 2022
One World, One Industry: Working Together to Address Workforce Challenges
While the conflict in Ukraine has captured all the headlines for the past several weeks, the challenges facing companies on the workforce front have not abated. When I speak with executives around the world, they are singing the same song in two-part harmony: supply chain and people. Let’s talk a little about the people challenges that are keeping management up many nights. Even though we say there is a workforce problem, there is not just one problem. This obstacle is multifaceted.January 27, 2022
One World, One Industry: Europe—Taking the Technical Lead on Transition to the Digital Factory
As the president and CEO of a global trade association, John Mitchell pays close attention to how the electronics manufacturing industry is faring throughout the world. He recently spoke to Sanjay Huprikar, president, Europe and South Asia operations, and Matt Kelly, chief technologist, about the European manufacturing industry.August 29, 2021
One World, One Industry: Better by Design—Bringing PCB Design Professionals Together
To focus on the critical role design plays in the development of electronics, we created IPC Design to bring together printed board design professionals to connect with other designers, enjoy education and training opportunities, mentor and encourage the next generation of designer engineers, and above all, help advance the art and science of printed board design.June 16, 2021
One World, One Industry: Responding to Questions about the Future of Electronics Manufacturing
The questions I receive most frequently depend upon the individual or group asking the questions. For this column, I will focus on the different questions coming from the manufacturing industry and media.May 20, 2021
One World, One Industry: New Thought Leaders Program Brings Industry Insight
As the electronics industry undergoes dramatic change, it is essential for IPC to obtain advice and counsel from experts throughout the industry that help us navigate these changes. To this end, IPC created the Thought Leaders Program (TLP), a select group of experts who will generate ideas and insights.April 22, 2021
One World, One Industry: How Familiar Are You with ESG?
ESG is the new approach to corporate social responsibility, based on the notion that companies integrating ESG goals into their business decisions and operations are stronger by having accounted for concerns that create liabilities or risk. The financial services community is increasingly relying on ESG ratings and rankings to steer investments.February 08, 2021
One World, One Industry: Join Us for IPC APEX EXPO—Virtually
In person or online, our goal is to maintain IPC APEX EXPO’s position as the premier event for the electronics industry by providing far-reaching insights and ideas. The challenge we face to provide a premier networking event is also an opportunity for growth.December 18, 2020
One World, One Industry: Expert Instructors Share Knowledge With the Next Generation
You may be familiar with the IPC Electronics Workforce Training Initiative—an expanding series of education programs created to help the electronics industry overcome gaps in workforce skills—but do you know anything about the instructors who help develop and provide the training? Dr. John Mitchell details how IPC is fortunate to work with a team of subject-matter experts and instructors who share their significant knowledge and skills with the current and next generation of the electronics manufacturing workforce.October 21, 2020
One World, One Industry: Navigating Around the Future
Predicting the future is always dangerous. Happily, those predictions are rarely held to much scrutiny—perhaps because we all know that whatever is shared will, at least in some aspect, be wrong. IPC's Dr. John Mitchell dips his toe into the world of prognostication for a little bit, realizing that nothing is certain.August 24, 2020
One World, One Industry: 3 Tools That Should Be in Your Leadership Toolbox
There can be a lot of weight given to the abilities of the leader of an organization. IPC's Dr. John Mitchell shares three tools that should be in your leadership toolbox and a couple of themes to keep in mind.July 24, 2020
One World, One Industry: A Lasting COVID-19 Lesson—Resilient Regional Manufacturing Networks
Sophisticated global supply chains are generally efficient in meeting societal demands, but the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates that—in times of crisis—these supply chains can break down. IPC's Dr. John Mitchell emphasizes the need for resilient regional manufacturing networks across North America.June 15, 2020
One World, One Industry: Problem Solving While Innovating
There is a saying that true character is revealed by the choices we make under pressure, and this is certainly true of this very uncertain time. John Mitchell shares ways those in the electronics manufacturing industry are working together to find solutions.March 15, 2020
One World, One Industry: The Future of the Electronics Industry
When I speak to experts in the field, what strikes me most about our conversations is the accelerating pace of change and opportunity on so many fronts. This industry knows all about change. We are disruptors, and we are used to being disrupted ourselves. From smart factories to artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing, this industry will see its share of change in the coming years. IPC will be at the forefront of that change.February 15, 2020
One World, One Industry: Three Workforce Lessons From Manufacturing Plants Around the World?
During Dr. John Mitchell's latest international listening tour of manufacturing plants, he saw how workforce challenges in the U.S. extend globally. The good news is that, through shared experience, we can develop shared insights and solutions. John offers the conclusions he has drawn from meetings with operators and managers across the electronics industry about the current labor environment.May 19, 2020
One World, One Industry: Separating Hype From Reality—What’s Next for the Future of Electronics?
Matt Kelly, a familiar face in IPC standards development and widely recognized in the global electronics industry as a thought leader and an innovator, was recently hired as IPC’s chief technologist. Dr. John Mitchell sat down with Matt to ask him about his new role, as well as industry trends.February 03, 2020
One World, One Industry: IPC APEX EXPO 2020—A Special Anniversary Year
This year marks the 20th anniversary of IPC APEX EXPO, and IPC is thrilled to celebrate this event milestone with attendees, exhibitors, and presenters. Their dedication to and involvement in IPC APEX EXPO is directly responsible for its success, and their efforts clearly illustrate how the entire electronics manufacturing industry comes together to “Elevate the Excellence of Electronics”—this year’s theme.December 23, 2019
One World, One Industry: Rising Tariffs Put a Painful Squeeze on Electronics Manufacturers
IPC recognizes that you are greatly affected by the ongoing tariff dispute between China and the United States. To date, the two countries have imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in imports in a tit for tat that could escalate further if an agreement is not reached soon. Dr. John Mitchell discusses IPC's recent survey of U.S. members and the organization's perspective.November 13, 2019
One World, One Industry: Opportunities Abound for Learning at IPC
It’s fall, and students are heading back to school. Will you be joining them? IPC offers many opportunities for continuous learning, enabling you to enrich your career and increase your value to your company.September 25, 2019
One World, One Industry: Maintaining a Strong Economy Through Workforce Development
As members of the electronics industry, we work in a quickly evolving technological field illustrated by continual change and advancement. We must have a workforce that is ready to meet these advancements. We are firmly committed to providing growth and opportunities for American workers as we plan for a future where we don’t know what the jobs will be.September 13, 2019
One World, One Industry: CFX and Hermes—Plug-and-Play IPC Standards Building Momentum for Industry 4.0
IPC is removing barriers that hamper executives' ability to align their companies with Industry 4.0 by providing the building blocks for seamless machine-to-machine and machine-to-ERP communications. Released earlier this year. Two standards are released recently: the IPC-2591 (CFX), and the surface-mount equipment communication standard IPC-HERMES-9852, The Global Standard for Machine-to-Machine Communication in SMT Assembly.July 05, 2019
Emerging Engineer Program: A Unique Opportunity Offered by IPC
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to offer new engineers a leg up early in their career, and I am especially thrilled when I can do it personally. Often, this can be as simple as connecting them with an industry leader. Wonderfully, this was something I was able to do IPC APEX EXPO this past January.November 27, 2018
One World, One Industry: IPC Legislative Victories Reached with Outstanding Member and Industry Support
After months of working with legislators in the United States to ensure our industry is well represented, I am pleased to say that we have been successful in our efforts—particularly concerning defense electronics and workforce education.November 05, 2018
One World, One Industry: Back to School with IPC EDGE 2.0
IPC spent the summer gearing up for new education and certification platforms, and has announced that IPC EDGE 2.0 is ready for all certification users. John Mitchell talked with David Hernandez, senior director of learning and professional development, and Kris Roberson, director of certification programs, to talk about what’s new in education and certification.November 02, 2018
One World, One Industry: Meet Nicolas Robin, IPC’s New Senior Director in Europe
In May, IPC Europe welcomed new Senior Director Nicolas Robin. Based in Brussels, Nicolas will represent IPC and the electronics manufacturing industry in Europe. I recently sat down with Nicolas for a one-to-one conversation to get to know him better and introduce him to fellow electronics industry members.August 17, 2018
One World, One Industry: Automotive Electronics—Past / Present / Future
As electronics play an increasingly important role in automotive manufacturing, tremendous change and great progress have been made worldwide. We are at the crossroads of incredible technological advancements, and it’s been exhilarating to watch. I am eager to see what happens next.July 23, 2018
IMPACT 2018: We Need Your Voice in Washington, D.C.!
It’s that time of year again: IPC’s IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2018 is on the horizon. As a global, industry-driven organization, IPC exists to help its member companies innovate, compete, and succeed in the electronics industry.July 04, 2018
IPC Addresses Skills Gap
A recent IPC global survey found that while the skills gap may vary depending on the job role and geographic location surveyed, many companies in the industry are struggling to find the talent they need, and the problem is expected to continue over the next decade.June 25, 2018
One World, One Industry: IPC’s Job Task Analysis Committee Needs Your Expertise and Experience to Address the Skills Gap
IPC is investing in the future by supporting our members’ workforce and training needs to meet the demands of a continually changing and advancing industry. With the creation of our Job Task Analysis Committee (JTA), we are collaborating with a group of industry subject matter experts tasked with the responsibility of defining a competency model for the electronics industry.May 29, 2018
One World, One Industry: Meet IPC’s Vice President of Global Government Relations, Chris Mitchell
In this new role, Chris will work closely with IPC’s Government Relations Steering Committee and its government relations team based in Washington, D.C. Chris will represent IPC and the electronics manufacturing industry before key policymakers globally and identify issues and other opportunities where IPC can demonstrate its leadership in government relations and public policy.April 02, 2018
One World, One Industry: Skilled Talent—Can We Meet Rising Demand?
In 2018, the U.S. GDP is expected to continue its rise, while unemployment rates are expected to drop further. Experts agree that the global economy is also showing signs of strengthening.February 23, 2018
One World, One Industry: Electronics Industry Advocacy More Important than Ever
From the Americas to Europe, Asia and beyond, the future of the electronics manufacturing industry is shaped in many ways by government policies. This will be true like never before in 2018, as legislators and regulators the world over are eyeing policy decisions on issues such as technology research and development, taxes, workforce skills, and the environment.November 24, 2017
One World, One Industry: Connecting the Dots Between Manufacturing and Community
Across the United States, the first Friday in October represents the annual celebration of Manufacturing Day. On this date, manufacturers and supporters come together to celebrate the longevity and success of our industry. Since 2012, Manufacturing Day has served as a chance to learn about the businesses that thrive in our communities and contribute greatly to the economy.November 15, 2017
One World, One Industry: Pursuing New Solutions to the Electronics Sectors’ Skills Gap
In a recent survey of our U.S. member companies[1], most said they have a hard time finding local talent to run their businesses. Respondents cited many essential skills that are in short supply, but the most common ones are soldering for production jobs, and engineers with industry experience, especially in process, test, and quality control. Making matters even more challenging, as new innovations emerge, new skills requirements emerge as well.September 15, 2017
One World, One Industry: The Future of Electronics in the Automotive Industry
Automotive electronics is not a new topic. While there is a trend for both performance and luxury electronics, many of the recent conversations tend to focus on self-driving/autonomous vehicles. While the technology is exciting, it is just the tip of the iceberg.August 18, 2017
One World, One Industry: India Makes Manufacturing Gains to Participate in a Global Economy
The manufacturing industry is truly a global one. While the past few decades have seen the rise of manufacturing in China and countries throughout Europe and South America, the last 10 years have been marked by significant progress in India. While the greater Asian area has flourished, India has been hampered by many factors including a struggling infrastructure.July 12, 2017
One World, One Industry: Three Ways to Close the Skills Gap in U.S. Manufacturing
The skills gap is a chronic problem in the manufacturing sector. Most manufacturing companies have a hard time aligning the talent needed to run their businesses with the talent that is available to work locally. And as new innovations emerge, new skills requirements emerge as well.July 07, 2017
One World, One Industry: Having an Impact from the Shop Floor to the Halls of Government
When you have concerns about government regulations and policies that impact your business, what can you do? Among several options, a direct approach is one of the best: Reach out to your elected officials and share your concerns. The odds are good that they will be responsive and look into ways of helping out a hometown business.June 09, 2017
China—A Critical Partner for Trade
Count me among those business leaders who thought the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was on the right track last year and would have brought significant benefits to all nations, including the United States. Before President Trump withdrew the United States from the TPP trade negotiations, I had argued it would have unified the world’s most dynamic economic region—bringing together developed and developing countries that collectively represent 825 million consumers and 40% of the world’s economic output.April 19, 2017
One World, One Industry: 100 Days In—President Trump and a Better Manufacturing Policy
To truly increase the number of American manufacturing jobs, President Trump should support increased investment in research and development for advanced manufacturing, promote and fund STEM education in primary and secondary schools, and build stronger apprenticeship programs. It is this type of investment—in human capital and technology—that will truly help make American manufacturing great again.April 10, 2017
One World, One Industry: IPC’s Global Policy Framework for 2017—Smart Advocacy for the Industry
As President Trump was being sworn in several weeks ago, and as the new Congress was getting down to work, IPC released its Global Policy Framework for 2017. As we work to represent more than 3,800 member facilities across the electronics industry’s global supply chain, IPC will adhere to this framework to guide our policy work in the coming months. All of our advocacy efforts are aimed at fostering an environment in which electronics manufacturers and their suppliers can thrive and grow.February 13, 2017
One World, One Industry: Emerging Technology, Training for the Future, and the Next Industrial Revolution
Technology isn’t just a tangible entity. It moves beyond what we can see, feel, and touch. It is ideas and theories. It includes philosophy and risks. In a way, technology itself is like the stock market. Different industries hedge their bets on emerging trends. These trends develop into useful products that change our world.January 20, 2017
One World, One Industry: Implications of the Trump Presidency
Our biggest concern is the impact on international trade. Specifically, President-elect Trump has said he would drop U.S. participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), put a hold on the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP), seek to renegotiate NAFTA, slap higher tariffs on imports from China, and seek greater penalties on nations accused of dumping products or raw materials and committing intellectual property violations.November 07, 2016
One World, One Industry: Six Leadership Lessons from 20 Years in the Electronics Industry
The orchestra conductor is an apt metaphor for the successful leader. Effective leadership often boils down to the ability to inspire others (the symphony) to their best work, while keeping and driving the overall vision of the organization (the musical score).October 17, 2016
One World, One Industry: Voting — A Civic Duty and Industry Opportunity
On Tuesday, November 8, more than 240 million people in the United States will have the opportunity to go to the polls and vote, make their voices heard in government, and influence the direction of public policy for years to come. Much of the world is closely watching with interest in this major U.S. election.December 16, 2016
One World, One Industry: Strengthening Your Value Proposition to Boost Organization Success
John Mitchell's new column's title says it all: One World, One Industry. In the coming columns, the IPC president will be covering issues affecting the entire global electronics industry supply chain with specific expertise on global standards, education, advocacy and solutions.
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