Microchip manufacturers are to see a 20 per cent growth in revenues in 2002, according to the US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). However, there will be a 14 per cent drop this year, it says. The SIA claims that improved forecasting techniques are helping companies to overcome boom and bust cycles.

The United Nations Centre for the Facilitation of Administration, Commerce and Transport (UN/Cefact) is pushing ahead with international standards for worldwide paperless trading with suppliers.

Aerospace supply chain exchange MyAircraft.com has been given the go-ahead by the European Commission.

sponsor to be confirmed