The OE-A roadmap for organic and printed electronics: creating a guidepost to complex interlinked technologies, applications and markets

Starting from its early days about 10 years ago, the OE-A roadmap has constantly reported technical progress for organic and printed electronics. Based on data gathered from several expert groups, the OE-A biannually publishes an updated version. As a technology roadmap, it has been a strategic tool for OE-A members to synchronize efforts for research and development. This article highlights the 6th edition of the OE-A roadmap and links its content to global trends and dynamics of existing markets. The 'organic growth path' stated by the OE-A roadmap required a complex roadmapping process to consider technology movements in established markets and the development of new markets. Exemplified by selected applications, this article explains the complexity, challenges and benefits of the roadmapping process and links the real OE-A roadmap to roadmapping concepts.