Photonics21 Urges Bold Commitment to Advance Europe’s Photonics Sector

The European Technology Platform Photonics21 and some of Europe’s largest companies – including Bosch, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Nokia Bell Labs, Zeiss, Trumpf, and EssilorLuxottica – have united to urge the European Commission to prioritise photonics in the upcoming EU Framework Programme (FP10).

In a recently published Joint Statement, leaders from various sectors such as defence, automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and telecommunications warn that without a bold and dedicated strategy, ‘Europe risks falling further behind China and the US in the global race for photonics – the light-based technologies that underpin 20% of the EU economy’.

As FP10 is set to shape Europe’s research and innovation agenda from 2028 to 2034, industry leaders emphasise that only a dedicated program can ensure the competitiveness of Europe’s photonics sector, facilitating advancements in AI, quantum technology, energy, healthcare, and mobility.