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For more information, please contact:
Nicolas Bijuk: Nicolas.Bijuk@ipsos.com
+852 2839 0675
Educating users is critical to the success of 3D printing in China
SHANGHAI, CHINA: 21 May, 2015 — Agile companies can create substantial competitive advantage in China’s
3D printing market by dispelling hype surrounding the technology and bridging the knowledge gap between
equipment manufacturers and end-users, new research from Ipsos Business Consulting reveals.
Opportunities and Challenges in China’s 3D Printing Market, an insightful research paper published by the
global fact-based consultancy in conjunction with VNU Exhibitions Asia, reveals why the technology has gotten
off to a relatively slow start in the world’s most populous nation, while highlighting key factors limiting its
adoption, and identifying how businesses can overcome such barriers.
Wijaya Ng, Head of Consulting at Ipsos Business Consulting – Greater China, says the simplest strategy for
building the 3D printing industry in China is to clearly communicate the technology’s practical applications to
end users.
“There’s no doubt that 3D printing has the potential to disrupt a wide range of industries and markets in
China,” says Wijaya Ng. “The problem is there have been so many outlandish claims about what the
technology can do — some people actually believe you can print human organs in your own home — that
many companies don’t have a clear understanding of how they can benefit from it.”
“Ipsos Business Consulting’s research paper directly tackles this issue. It discusses the pros and cons of the
various technologies, outlines clear industrial and non-industrial applications for 3D printing, and emphasises
the importance of educating end users in both the trade and consumer markets.”
Joshua Tan, Consulting Manager at Ipsos Business Consulting – Shanghai, and a co-author of the report, says
the consultancy drew on its extensive qualitative and quantitative research, proprietary market data and indepth interviews with key industry players to produce unique insights that will benefit both established
businesses and new players in the 3D printing market.
“Opportunities and Challenges in China’s 3D Printing Market provides established businesses in China looking
for new ways to innovate and create competitive advantages, as well as 3D Printing companies looking to enter
and expand in China, with a clear framework for understanding the industry in a local context,” he says.
The report’s key findings are:

Why adoption of 3D printing in China remains low despite the technology’s clear potential in the
education, healthcare, aerospace, engineering and creative design industries.

How bridging the knowledge gap between equipment manufacturers and end users will increase
adoption across the board.

Why government and the private sector must play a structured role in educating the market about 3D
printing.

What 3D printing businesses can do to better meet user needs and develop effective go-to-market
and distribution strategies.
About Ipsos
Founded in 1975, Ipsos is the only independent market research company that is controlled and managed by
research professionals. In October 2011 Ipsos completed the acquisition of Synovate. The combination forms
the world’s third largest market research company.
With offices in 87 countries, Ipsos has the resources to conduct research wherever in the world our clients do
business.
Ipsos professionals deliver insightful expertise across six research specializations: customer and employee
relationship management, advertising, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey operations. Ipsos
has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999.
Visit www.ipsosasiapacific.com to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities