From 2014 onwards, current European research and innovation programs will be combined in a new EU Commission's framework - Horizon 2020 -, among them those of the photonic industries. Photonics is considered to have a key impact on the development of other sectors. That is why the EU Commission defined photonics in 2009 as one of five Key Enabling Technologies with great growth potential.
In his introductory address, Dr. Mertin confirmed that Photonics21 welcomes the EU Commission's new Horizon 2020 program with its strong emphasis on funding for innovation, and focus on achieving real impact on growth and jobs. "This implies that Europe is fully exploiting and developing those technologies, in which Europe has a strong and well-established industry base, able to gain and defend a leading competitive position."
Growth Market Photonics.
In December 2005 the European Technology Platform Photonics21 was set up as an industry-driven platform to unify the community in the area of optical technologies. Today, about 2,000 representatives of industry and science from most European countries have joined together to further advance Europe's position in optical technologies in the 21st century.
The current global photonics market is estimated to be 300 billion euros. Europe's share of this world market is approaching 60 billion euros in 2012. According to industry estimates, the global market can grow to 480 to 500 billion euros in 2015. A study by the EU Commission finds that 20 to 30 percent of European business activities are dependent upon photonics. Optical technologies can be found in many everyday areas like energy-efficient lighting, laser material processing, medical diagnostics as well as information and communication technologies.
Please find further information on the photonics industries on the Photonics21 and OptecNet websites, representing the German Competence Networks for Optical Technologies.
A detailed résumé and pictures of Dr. Michael Mertin can be found on the Management pages and Picture Database of Jenoptik.