The flat panel display industry is expected to see 5% annual growth from 2014-2017, according to sources at Sharp.

　　From 1993-2013, the global flat panel display industry grew 20% a year, rising in value over 30 times from about US$4.1 billion to US$129 billion, the sources said.

　　However, the yearly growth percentage is expected to drop to 5% from 2013-2017, with the large-size panel segment expected to see 0% growth. Public displays are expected to see 10% growth while desktop displays will see 2% growth.

　　The small-size panel segment is expected to grow 10% during the period due to demand for tablets and smartphones. Flat panels used in digital cameras are expected to see a 57% decline while AV applications are expected to decline 50%. Growth in the vehicle segment is expected to reach 9% while panel growth in the notebook segment is expected to be flat.

　　Meanwhile, representatives at Sharp said the flat panel industry needs to work on new innovations and applications for displays in order to stimulate growth again.