Highlights

The author

Peter McGeehin is a Managing Partner at Compton Consultants, Compton, UK.

Tel: +44 1635 578 455; Fax: +44 1635 578 016; e-mail: pmcg@compton-consultants.co.uk

Keywords

Sensors, Marketing, Strategy, UK, Global marketing

Abstract

Summarises the report of a Sensors Task Force which was formed as part of the UK Technology Foresight exercise. Examines the various markets for sensor technology, both globally and in the UK. Details the opportunities and challenges, market pull factors, and the most promising technologies and application areas.

Electronic access

The research register for this journal is available at http://www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregisters

The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0260-2288.htm

Introduction

In the second round of the UK Technology Foresight exercise, a number of panels identified the need to set up specialist groups to look at areas in a more informed manner. The need for a contribution from the sensors community was identified by the following thematic or sectorial panels:

• ageing population;

• crime prevention;

• manufacturing 2020;

• healthcare;

• materials; and

• defence, aerospace and systems.

A Sensors Task Force (STF) was formed (see the Appendix for membership) that has attempted to represent the diverse interests of the sensors community writ large . The experience of members of the STF listed below serves to illustrate the breadth of the community (even so, the STF does not fully represent it):

• automotive industry (physical...