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DECEMBER 2023 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 35 ca are taking distinct routes in embracing auto- mation. While Europe has long integrated au- tomation into its industrial DNA, North Amer- ica is on the verge of a transformative journey, forging ahead with understanding how to im- plement its vision of automation. For me a crit- ical examination reveals that the difference lies not just in the timeline of automation adoption but also in the underlying mindset and labor challenges surrounding implementation. Shaughnessy: What was the overall mood among fabricators, here and abroad? My observation and conversations have led to sentiment indicating a global inclination among companies to invest in technology. is trend is widespread and reflects a collective ea- gerness to embrace advancements. However, amid this enthusiasm, a notable degree of un- certainty looms. While there is a keen desire to invest in the future, the ambiguity surrounding what lies ahead necessitates a delicate balance of risk. Observing this scenario, it becomes ever more important that leaders are adopting a methodical approach to growth, with strat- egies tailored to navigate this intricate land- scape. In my observations, it's apparent that some companies are applying a broad general growth model, and in contrast, others are exhibiting a more nuanced and sophisticated approach, recognizing the multifaceted nature of the chal- lenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As we look toward the future, it becomes increasingly clear that the evolving landscape will demand an ever more adapting approach. Tomorrow's success stories will be authored by those who can navigate the intricate dynamics of technol- ogy investment with strategic acumen and a forward-thinking mindset. Johnson: Do you believe the U.S. is giving education and skill-building the same sort of attention that other countries do? No, and I believe we face significant deficien- cies in that area, possibly for a variety of rea- sons. By contrast, when you examine China, there are over 2,500 manufacturers, providing for a larger pool of individuals with extensive training in the PCB manufacturing process. Moreover, countries like India, China, and Taiwan are actively encouraging younger gen- erations to embrace technology in manufac- turing printed circuit boards. ere exists a structured process for attracting more techni- cal talent into the industry, generating height- ened enthusiasm and abundant opportunities in Asia. Conversely, in the United States, we strug- gle to generate comparable excitement for core manufacturing jobs, and this proves to be a challenging endeavor. Unfortunately, our younger generation in the U.S. isn't gravitat- ing towards this sector, whether it be on the semiconductor or PCB side, leading to large generational knowledge gaps. Additionally, we lack well-established programs designed to educate and nurture younger manufacturing engineers. Consequently, we find ourselves falling behind in technology in the U.S., with the difficulty of locating the desired level of expertise being a persistent and overarching challenge. Aidan Salvi