Provided are methods for selecting a polymer for use as a flexible electronics substrate. An example method includes selecting a thermosetting polymer from a plurality of polymers, wherein the thermosetting polymer: undergoes a thermomechanical transition at a transition temperature between room temperature and the highest temperature observed during processing from the glassy to the rubbery regime; wherein the thermosetting polymer has a Young's modulus below 3 GPa in the glassy regime and wherein the thermosetting polymer has a Young's modulus above 0.3 MPa in the rubbery regime. The method further includes producing a flexible electronic substrate from the selected polymer.