Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/424967
20 SMT Magazine • December 2014 quirements include specific elements—tungsten, tantalum, tin, gold and their derivatives. Make a note that the category of derivatives is a tricky area. In 2014, more electronics sectors including medical devices will join the world of lead-free electronics to comply with RoHS. Additionally, RoHS will be deployed to more countries. In- troduction of new or modified lead-free solder alloy materials will continue through sound scientific (metallurgical) execution in an effort to improve the performance and reliability and to alleviate production and reliability issues of tin-copper and tin-copper-silver systems. On re- liability, high-quality work has been conducted and abundant data generated. One challenging effort is not to make a conclusion when a con- clusion is not ready to be made. Publications that deviate from this principle are not in short supply. Going forward, it is hoped that this nec- essary principle would be followed so that reli- ability means reliability. Overall, environmentally friendly electronics is becoming a given. Corporations' environmen- tal stewardship for global sustainability, driven by regulations or other causes, continues to be one of important corporate business policies in 2014. The conflict mineral disclosure requirements are being met in due course by the requiring companies. Lead-free has made incremental im- provements and lead-free electronics is expand- ing to more industry sectors including medical devices, which will be outlined in 2014 forecast column. And the global sustainability is robust and marching on." What Happened in 2014: During 2014, a further deployment of lead- free electronics to a wider array of electronic products was on track. The implementation of conflict mineral disclosure requirements is also on schedule. Global sustainability is robust and marching on. Corporations' environmental stewardship for global sustainability in 2014 was on their business agenda. According to the Governance & Account- ability Institute, many American companies have published their own sustainability report. In 2013, 72% of the S&P 500 index filed such reports, up from 53% in 2012 and 20% in 2011. Reportedly, legislation in Europe will soon require companies to disclose their impact on the environment and society. European inves- tors are used to challenging corporations' sus- tainability goals around environmental, social and governance strategies. The belief is that if a company has strong sustainability or a good corporate responsibility performance, then fi- nancially it will outperform. Upcoming Appearances Dr. Hwang will present a lecture on "Pre- venting Manufacturing Defects and Product Failures" at IPC APEX EXPO on February 22, 2015 in San Diego, California. SmT Dr. Hwang, an international busi- nesswoman and speaker, and business and technology advisor, is a pioneer and long-standing contributor to SMT manufactur- ing since its inception, as well as to the global lead-free electron- ics implementation. Among her many awards and honors, she is inducted to the Interna- tional Hall of Fame—women in Technology, elected to the national Academy of Engi- neering, and named an r&D-Stars-to-watch. Having held senior executive positions with lockheed Martin Corp., Sherwin williams Co., SCM Corp, and CEo of international Electron- ic Materials Corp., she is currently CEo of H- Technologies Group, providing business, tech- nology and manufacturing solutions. She has served on the u.S. Commerce Department's Export Council, Chairman of Assessment panel on DoD Army research laboratory, various national panels/committees, and the board of Fortune 500 nY SE companies and civic and university boards. She is the author of 400+ publications and several textbooks, and an in- ternational speaker and author on trade, busi- ness, education, and social issues. Her formal education includes four academic degrees as well as the Harvard Business School Executive program and Columbia university Corporate governance program. For further info, visit JennieHwang.com. To read past columns, click here. 2014: YeAr-eNd revIeW continues SMT proSpECTS & pErSpECTivES