Opportunities and Challenges in China’s 3D Printing Market
Educating users is critical to the success of 3D printing in China
SHANGHAI, CHINA: 21 May, 2015 — Agile companies can create substantial competitive advantage in China’s 3D printing market by dispelling hype surrounding the technology and bridging the knowledge gap between equipment manufacturers and end-users, new research from Ipsos Business Consulting reveals.
Opportunities and Challenges in China’s 3D Printing Market, an insightful research paper published by the global fact-based consultancy in conjunction with VNU Exhibitions Asia, reveals why the technology has gotten off to a relatively slow start in the world’s most populous nation, while highlighting key factors limiting its adoption, and identifying how businesses can overcome such barriers.
Wijaya Ng, Head of Consulting at Ipsos Business Consulting – Greater China, says the simplest strategy for building the 3D printing industry in China is to clearly communicate the technology’s practical applications to end users. “There’s no doubt that 3D printing has the potential to disrupt a wide range of industries and markets in China,” says Wijaya Ng. “The problem is there have been so many outlandish claims about what the technology can do — some people actually believe you can print human organs in your own home — that many companies don’t have a clear understanding of how they can benefit from it.”
“Ipsos Business Consulting’s research paper directly tackles this issue. It discusses the pros and cons of the various technologies, outlines clear industrial and non-industrial applications for 3D printing, and emphasises the importance of educating end users in both the trade and consumer markets.” Joshua Tan, Consulting Manager at Ipsos Business Consulting – Shanghai, and a co-author of the report, says the consultancy drew on its extensive qualitative and quantitative research, proprietary market data and indepth interviews with key industry players to produce unique insights that will benefit both established businesses and new players in the 3D printing market.
“Opportunities and Challenges in China’s 3D Printing Market provides established businesses in China looking for new ways to innovate and create competitive advantages, as well as 3D Printing companies looking to enter and expand in China, with a clear framework for understanding the industry in a local context,” he says.
The report’s key findings are:
· Why adoption of 3D printing in China remains low despite the technology’s clear potential in the education, healthcare, aerospace, engineering and creative design industries.
· How bridging the knowledge gap between equipment manufacturers and end users will increase adoption across the board.
· Why government and the private sector must play a structured role in educating the market about 3D printing.
· What 3D printing businesses can do to better meet user needs and develop effective go-to-market and distribution strategies.
About Ipsos
Founded in 1975, Ipsos is the only independent market research company that is controlled and managed by research professionals. In October 2011 Ipsos completed the acquisition of Synovate. The combination forms the world’s third largest market research company.
With offices in 87 countries, Ipsos has the resources to conduct research wherever in the world our clients do business. Ipsos professionals deliver insightful expertise across six research specializations: customer and employee relationship management, advertising, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey operations.
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