STAMFORD, CT – Global PC shipments reached 71.9 million units, a 16% increase year-over-year, a top research firm said.

WELLESLEY, MA – The global market for printed electronics is expected to be worth $3.1 billion in 2008, and will increase to $8.8 billion by 2013, a CAGR of 23.2%, says BCC Research.

The market includes optoelectronics, radio frequency, energy, sensors and other applications. Optoelectronics applications dominate the market with a share of more than 85% in 2007 and 2008, but will decline to 69% in 2013. Optoelectronics generated $2.5 billion last year, an estimated $2.7 billion this year, and a projected $6.1 billion in 2013, for a CAGR of 18.1%, according to the research firm.

Sensors were the second largest segment in 2007, with $375 million in revenue, and should continue in second place through 2008, generating $423.5 million. Sensors are expected to lose market share during the next five years, declining from 13% of the market to 9.5%. Expected revenue in 2013 is $842.5 million, for a CAGR of 14.7%.

RF applications are expected to grow from $10 million last year to $18.4 million this year and $413 million in 2013, a CAGR of 86.3%.

The energy segment is the fastest growing segment and is expected to achieve a market share of 16.2% by 2013. Energy applications generated $9 million in 2007 and are expected to reach $18.1 million this year. This is expected to increase to $1.4 billion in 2013, for a CAGR of 139.5%, says BCC.

Other applications are expected to grow at a CAGR of 118.7%, from an estimated $1 million in 2008 to $50 million in 2013.

Currently, major end-uses of printed electronics include consumer products, advertising and medicine and health care/life sciences. End-user segments expected to gain significant market share during the next five years include building products and transport and logistics.