INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In this study, the goal of BCC Research is to determine the current status of the market for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for 2008 and then examine their growth potential in 2009 and then to 2014. We were primarily interested in the growth in their two major markets of electronic displays and solid-state lighting. Our previous work on solid-state lighting was done in 2006 and involved only inorganic LEDs. We recently published a study on the entire display industry, but wanted to concentrate on the OLED as a prime competitor to other display technologies.
The key objective is to present a comprehensive analysis of the current market for organic light-emitting diodes and project the industry’s future direction.
REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY
The OLED has been challenging the other flat-panel technologies in the electronic display industry for several decades. The liquid-crystal display (LCD) has taken a commanding lead in that industry but is being challenged in certain form factors by the OLED. We were interested in the potential of the organic technology to compete with the LCD and other displays for handheld, monitor and television applications.
We were also interested in the OLED as a solid-state lighting product. We wanted to analyze its structure, differences from the inorganic LED, the materials used, and potential applications.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
We have compiled a study of the OLED and its use in the display industry and in solid-state lighting. We present the OLED display and lighting industry economic environments, technological information on both and issues, research-and-development activities, recent patent activity, funding issues, applications, market assessment factors and potential, and then project unit shipments and their value for both OLED technologies to 2009 and 2014. This study will be of interest to display manufacturers, component makers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), lighting manufacturers, construction companies, distributors and systems integrators. It will also be of interest to manufacturers of information systems, personal computers, televisions, lighting systems and other consumer electronic products, instrumentation, telecommunications equipment, appliances, transportation equipment and medical devices.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The scope of this study encompasses OLED electronic displays and lighting devices. BCC Research analyzes the OLED industry structure for displays and lighting, identifies the key players, and analyzes the industry’s competitiveness. Then, for each technology, we determine its current status, examine the impact on future markets, and present forecasts for growth from 2008 to 2009, and then over the five-year period from 2009 to 2014. Technological issues, including the latest trends, are discussed. Other essential factors such as the economic environment are also reviewed.
BCC analyzes the OLED industry on a worldwide basis, both from a manufacturing and consumption point of view. We examine government and industry support for research and development in the major regions of the world. We also analyze market share for unit shipments and their value for each type of display and lighting product.
METHODOLOGY
BCC Research presents an analysis of the units shipped for 2008 and for each major type of OLED display and lighting product. Our estimated value is what manufacturers have paid in nondepreciated U.S. dollars. Based on our surveys, we analyze the potential growth of each major product and then forecast shipments for 2009 and 2014. We also analyze pricing trends and establish shipment values for 2008, and project those for 2009 and 2014.
INFORMATION SOURCES
We interviewed approximately 125 companies to obtain data for this study. Included were manufacturers of OLED displays and components, lighting devices, consumer products, communication systems, instrumentation and transportation equipment. We also spoke with construction companies, lighting manufacturers, building contractors and lighting installers. We spoke with OLED users in a variety of industries and compiled data from current financial/trade information, such as trade publications and financial reports and government sources.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
Bob Moran has worked as a technology market analyst and technology writer for more than 20 years, and is the author of numerous BCC Research reports. He has authored reports covering thin film deposition, photovoltaic solar technology, electronic gaming, magnetic and optical storage, surface modification of polymers and other technology topics. He has also served as the editor of BCC Research publications, including Display Industry News and Micro and Nanotechnology.
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DISCLAIMER
The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or its use.
Report Code: SMC069A, Published: August 2009, Analyst: Robert Moran
