I’ve stopped reading any news alerts that include the word downturn, and its cousins shortage, recession, slump, depression, downward spiral, decline, and even the seemingly harmless younger brother dip, in the title. These words aren’t heralding news — just finding the many ways to say that things are tough everywhere. I can’t think of anyone in the business sector to whom this would be a revelation.

But even in these trying global economic times, life and business go on. Not everyone is ready to throw in the towel, and to that end we cover some perspectives on the North American cleanroom industry in this issue of Controlled Environments.

In his ongoing series about the Canadian biotech and pharma markets, Controlled Environments Editorial Board Member Ron Nightingale talks about tax incentives and government initiatives at work to promote R&D and technological discoveries. Author Rudy Pina covers the challenges and obstacles for the U.S. medical device laboratory in performing environmental monitoring in his article Medical Device Manufacturing of U.S. Products in Mexico. These articles highlight two approaches to dealing with the current economy — government taking a pro-active position to try and support a specific industry and corporations looking out for themselves by learning the ropes of working globally and doing it well.

WHAT’S THE OUTLOOK FOR CHINA?
In taking a global perspective on controlled environments, thoughts of course turn to Asia, and to China in particular. At the time of this writing SEMICON China has not yet taken place but according to semi.org, “The growth of China's semiconductor industry has outpaced nearly every other global manufacturing region.”

Market researcher iSuppli describes the Chinese market as, “An abundance of technically skilled workers, low manufacturing costs and a rapidly emerging domestic market for consumer, automotive and communication products.” They go on to say that these factors “are encouraging many multinational companies to consider China as attractive options to grow revenues and reduce product development and manufacturing expenses.”

However, the global economic crisis has caught up with China — iSuppli forecasts that “sales growth by the Chinese chip industry will be 9% in 2010, followed by an 11% increase in 2011.” These numbers aren’t as high as China’s past performance but they are still in the plus column.

Though there are no answers provided here, Controlled Environments will continue to look at the global picture for cleanrooms and controlled environments — not only in terms of the economy but in doing business within and outside of borders.