"We are in the middle of a technology revolution": expert

"We are in the middle of a technology revolution," the chief of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) said Thursday.

Gary Shapiro, CEA president and chief executive officer, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview at the sidelines of the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) "We are still starting in a shift to the digital revolution. There is room for tremendous growth."

Shapiro believed innovation, this year's CES theme, is the key to growth.

"Innovation is creating something different that people would pay for," he said.

Shapiro observed that innovation is displayed in many companies' exhibits throughout the International CES this year. Ultrabook, Smart TV, 4k TV and 4G automobiles are just a few examples.

"No one company dominates. What I'm seeing is tremendous excitement in the consumer electronics technology category and growth in so many different areas, whether it's video, audio, smartphones, or home health-cares," he said.

Therefore, the CEA chief sees great opportunities for companies anywhere in the world, no matter whether a company is big, small or one that's just started up.

There are many great companies in China, Japan, (South) Korea, the United States and Europe, "so innovation can come from anywhere," he said.