The global development of digital technology has invaded our 21st century world, and applies equally to industry, finance and governments. This field has been growing exponentially since 2005, and is accelerating with the arrival of crypto-currencies, 5G-6G, and above all artificial intelligence (AI). Transparency on the user side of this digital world overshadows the fact that the associated energy consumption is also growing exponentially. In fact, we're in danger of reaching a global energy impasse in the next decade, with digital power consumption exceeding current global electricity production. The digital world is physically dependent on electronics and microelectronics, the latter constituting the associated hardware. Today's challenge is to reduce the power consumption of all electronics, whether analog or digital, high-power, high-frequency, highly integrated electronics and especially large-area electronics involving thin-film technologies. In this sense, we have already witnessed a revolution in display technology thanks to the development of flat panel displays in the 2000s.

After presenting the background and challenges, this presentation discusses the various proposals for improving electronics, both technologically and architecturally, which involve thin-film devices and circuits. Indeed, new three-dimensional approaches combine highly integrated circuit techniques with thin-film technologies based on successive stacking of component layers. This technological architecture makes it possible to reduce the length of interconnection tracks, thereby improving signal transfer times and reducing resistive losses at the same time. The introduction of new materials such as metal oxide semiconductors (GIZO), with a wide bandgap, can significantly reduce leakage currents in electronic components. The creation of integrated architectures based on flexible materials from large-area electronics paves the way for electronics with relatively low power consumption. Efforts on technological processes and new thin-film materials are complemented by new circuit and electrical system architecture. The development of new technologies is leading to a shift in circuit architecture towards asynchronous and analog technologies, which fortunately enable better control of power consumption. For example, the introduction of a deep sleep mode, typically used during inactivity, can significantly reduce losses and improve circuit efficiency.

All these improvements can only be achieved if the sector's future employees are capable of innovation. This challenge is coupled with those of a technical nature. Indeed, on a global scale, the electronics profession is experiencing a growing skills deficit, corresponding to a severe shortage of jobs. There is an urgent need to train new engineers, technicians and doctors to increase the pool of specialists in the field, with training based on the knowledge and know-how of the thin film technology specialty. The final section of the presentation is devoted to this challenge and to actions conducted by the French national network for higher eduction in microelectronics.