Consumers see high potential for climate protection and sustainability

Digital technologies enable companies to effectively address sustainability goals. Even though there are some considerable differences in the acceptance and usage intensity of the smart home and smart mobility, consumers in Europe, the U.S., and Asia see similarly high potential for climate protection through digital technologies. That is the conclusion reached by a representative survey by the world-leading trade fair electronica, which is taking place in Munich from November 12 to 15, 2024. In July 2024, Merkle Research & Insights surveyed a total of 3,000 people from Germany, France, Italy, the UK, the U.S., and China.

Significant advantages through digitalization and networking

64 percent of respondents in Germany, the U.S., and China expect digital solutions to provide affordable and clean energy. Likewise, 64 percent of Germans see that as an important element for sustainable cities and municipalities; China tops the list with 78 percent. In China, 89% of respondents are convinced that digitalization and networking also offer considerable advantages in the private sphere. Germany, however, achieved the lowest value here of all five countries surveyed. Only 66 percent of Germans agree with the statement that smart home helps them make their own home more energy efficient and consume fewer resources.

“Networking and electrification, for example, through electromobility, undoubtedly fuel the path to a climate-neutral society,” says Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München. “The survey shows that there is still a need for information, which is why we need to discuss how we can get society more enthusiastic about digital solutions. As an international industry get-together, electronica offers the ideal platform for promoting openness to technology.”

Achieving green and digital transformation with innovative technologies

ZVEI, the German Association of the Electronics and Digital Industry, sees the three megatrends of electrification, digitalization and automation as the key levers in the transition to a climate-neutral industrial society. “The green and digital transformation that Europe and Germany are striving for can only be achieved if we consistently apply the huge effective power of the three megatrends,” says ZVEI President Dr. Gunther Kegel. “To accomplish that, it is important for the regulatory requirements to be better attuned than before. Instead of pursuing over-regulation down to the last detail, politicians should create a framework that favors entrepreneurial initiative and trusts technological innovation.”

China: More than one in two already drive cars with alternative drives

The electronica study impressively demonstrates how much more established cars with alternative drives already are in China. While 51 percent of respondents there drive electric or hydrogen cars, the figure in Germany is 13 percent. Usage is only even lower in France (10%) and Italy (9%). A similar picture emerges with regard to the acceptance of sharing offers for mobility. 67% of Chinese make active use of them, but only 17% of Germans; the lowest figure is in the UK at 9%.

Even though there are different degrees of openness to technology depending on the country, respondents in all the countries in the electronica survey agree that electronic developments and digital technologies make their everyday life easier. Compared to everyday life 15 years ago, 59 percent of Germans tend to see things getting easier. Italy comes out on top with 64%, followed by China in second place with 62%.

All Electric Society as the main topic

At electronica, taking place in Munich from November 12 to 15, 2024, the path to the All Electric Society will be a focal point through corresponding innovations, application-oriented presentations, and socio-political discussions such as the high-profile CEO Roundtable. The great response to the trade fair also shows just how topical the subject is. For the first time, the exhibitors at electronica 2024 from more than 50 countries will occupy all 18 halls (together with SEMICON Europa taking place in parallel in two halls).