WASHINGTON-In an effort to bolster its lobbying clout and remake its image, the Electronic Industries Association has renamed itself the Electronic Industries Alliance and has invited wireless companies and firms in other high-tech sectors to partner with the group in working on issues before Congress and regulatory bodies.
“Many organizations represent the electronic industries, but as powerful as they might be individually, they gain more strength by joining together,” said John Major of Qualcomm Inc., EIA chairman of the board.
“As we get ready to move into the next century, it’s time for us to present ourselves as a unified voice to speak on issues affecting this successful and important industry.”
Wireless telecom manufacturers today are represented by the Telecommunications Industry Association, an affiliate of EIA. One of the organization’s roles it to develop technical standards.
TIA currently is working with the wireless industry and others in negotiating an acceptable digital wiretap standard with the FBI.
Other EIA organizations include the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association; the Electronic Components, Assemblies, Equipment & Supplies Association; and the Electronic Information Group. EIA is well-regarded for its marketing research.
“We have successfully represented the U.S. electronic industries for 75 years, simply because the organization has been able to change and grow to reflect the industry’s growth and change,” said Peter McCloskey, president of EIA. “That’s what today’s announcement is about, the dynamics of progress and success.”
Indeed, EIA projects U.S. factory sales of electronics products for 1998 will be $500 billion.
But whether the new EIA strategy will play out as designed is unclear.
Aligning with EIA comes with a cost: membership dues.
The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, Personal Communications Industry Association and the American Mobile Telecommunications Association, when contacted, knew very few details of the EIA changes.
“Everybody wants to be an umbrella organization,” said Alan Shark, president of AMTA.
Shark suggested the EIA remake appears designed to help EIA more than others.
