element14's Engineering a Connected World Study also examines attitudes toward the Internet-of-Things, wearables, and 'must-have' technologies for 2015

21st April 2015, Healthcare, renewable energy and the environment should be the top priorities for technology and innovation according to a global study of 3,500 consumers released today by element14, the global online network of more than 325,000 engineers and technology enthusiasts. The study, Engineering a Connected World, also explores consumer interest in and adoption of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), driverless cars, robotics and gesture control.

The results of the global consumer research, carried out in Australia, China, France, Germany, India, the United Kingdom and the United States, reveal that 59 percent of people identified healthcare as a top priority for technology and innovation, followed by renewable energy (56 percent) and the environment (47 percent). Opinions vary considerably by region, however. For example, education is more of a priority in India than elsewhere, space exploration and aerospace is almost three times more important in China than the rest of the world, and those living in Germany are most interested in advancing entertainment via technology.

The study also reveals some specific technologies that consumers would like to see become a reality in 2015, such as universal high speed internet (68 percent) and flexible or foldable screens (40 percent). Thirty-seven percent would like to see self-driving cars become a reality this year, and space tourism is appeals to 15 percent of those questioned.

The study, presented in a new report available today on element14.com, is part of element14's broader "Engineering a Connected World" initiative which includes a series of global design challenges over the next 24 months. The challenges will focus on innovation in energy efficiency, food production and medical technology, and in leading them Farnell element14 will oversee the development of more than 100 engineering concepts and prototypes.

"As the world's largest community of engineers and technology enthusiasts, we wanted to know consumers' perspectives on where engineers should apply their abilities in design and innovation," said Dianne Kibbey, element14's Global Head of Community. "Our broader 'Engineering a Connected World' initiative is designed to reflect those priorities and will connect engineers to powerful new ideas, the latest technologies and to each other to create innovative solutions to everyday problems. Through our design challenges, our Community can actively explore technology that will make people's lives better, more fulfilling, more exciting or make a difference to how they live and work."

The first "Engineering a Connected World" challenges are already underway. "Enchanted Objects" tasks engineers with re-imagining everyday objects using embedded IoT technology. "Sci Fi Your Pi", sponsored by Raspberry Pi creator Pi Trading, challenges engineers and enthusiasts to use the Raspberry Pi 2 to design applications inspired by science fiction.

New challenges are also planned around vertical farming and smart vehicle technology. Specialist experts from each field have been enlisted to judge entries and mentor finalists, and element14 will provide support in the form of parts, tools, software and advice.

For more information on "Engineering a Connected World" or to view the research report, visit element14.com.

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About the Premier Farnell Group

Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl) is a global leader in high service distribution of technology products and solutions for electronic system design, production, maintenance and repair. Trading as Farnell element14in Europe, Newark element14in North America and element14across Asia Pacific, it had sales last year of £960m, the Group is supported by a global supply chain of more than 3,000 suppliers and an inventory profile developed to anticipate and meet its customers' needs.



Premier Farnell works to bring to market development kits in a variety of applications, enabling it to support the customer from design concept through to production.

The latest products, software, services and solutions from trusted supplier partners are all available through 43 local language transactional websites. The element14 Communityallows buyers and engineers to access a wide range of independent technical information, tools and the latest resources and the Design Centerenables design engineers to compare kits from the world's greatest range of development tools.

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