Europe’s industrial heavyweights have issued a stark warning. Without decisive action, the European Union could lose its competitive edge in the critical field of photonics to China and the United States.
Automotive giants like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have joined forces with research leaders such as Nokia Bell Labs. This coalition is urging the European Commission to make photonics central to its next research and innovation strategy (FP10) for 2028–2034.
They want a dedicated €2 billion programme to safeguard Europe’s technological leadership. Their goal is to strengthen supply chains and spark billions in private investment.
Photonics: The Backbone of Future Technologies
Photonics isn’t just a niche scientific field. It’s the technology at the heart of AI, quantum computing, secure communications, renewable energy, healthcare innovation, defense applications, and advanced mobility systems.
It enables breakthroughs across industries and supports around 20% of the EU’s economy. That’s huge, and it makes photonics a foundational pillar for any forward-looking innovation policy.
A Shrinking Global Share
Back in 2005, Europe held a commanding position in the global photonics market. Now, the numbers paint a different story.
China’s share has jumped from 10% to 32% in just 17 years, while Europe’s has dropped to 15%. Dr. Lutz Aschke, president of Photonics21, warns this erosion signals a strategic crisis that needs immediate intervention.
The Call for a Stand-Alone FP10 Photonics Programme
FP10, the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, will shape policy and funding from 2028 to 2034. The signatories want photonics to stand alone as a well-funded component, not just a subcategory buried in broader technology budgets.
They argue that only a €2 billion dedicated investment can keep Europe competitive. This could unlock an extra €6–8 billion in private co-investment from industry leaders.
Strategic “Photonics Grand Challenge” Projects
The proposal sketches out flagship projects to drive breakthroughs in areas where photonics could be transformative:
- Artificial Intelligence and data centers
- Space exploration technologies
- Quantum communication and computing
- Advanced defense systems
- Resilient supply chains for photonics components
These initiatives aim to advance technical capabilities and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Cross-Sector Support from Europe’s Leading Companies
The joint statement’s signatories come from every corner of the continent’s industry:
- Automotive: Volkswagen, Scania, Mercedes-Benz
- Defense: Diehl Defence, WB Electronics
- Healthcare and optics: Zeiss, EssilorLuxottica
- Advanced manufacturing: Bosch, Trumpf
- Research and technology: Nokia Bell Labs, ams-Osram
This wide support shows photonics isn’t limited to one sector. It’s an enabling technology for all sorts of domains that matter to Europe’s prosperity.
A Critical Juncture for European Leadership
Historically, photonics has been one of the few digital technologies where Europe led globally. Now, with China’s production capacity expanding rapidly and the U.S. investing aggressively, Europe stands at a strategic inflection point.
The recent Photonics21 position paper put it bluntly: Europe must “invest in light or be left in the dark.”
Photonics as a Driver of Autonomy and Security
Photonics goes beyond economic competitiveness. It plays a pivotal role in European security.
Breakthroughs in defense imaging, cybersecurity, and secure communication all depend on advances in light-based technologies. Without strong domestic capabilities, Europe risks relying on external supply chains—an outcome that’s hard to accept in today’s unpredictable geopolitical climate.
The Path Forward
Europe needs to step up if it wants to stay ahead in photonics. Policymakers should listen to the industry and actually do something about it.
More funding is needed. Starting grand challenges that really push boundaries could help too.
Building a reliable supply network matters more than ever. Photonics isn’t just some nice-to-have—it’s essential if Europe wants to keep its edge in innovation, independence, and economic strength.
Here is the source article for this story: P21: European industry campaigns to secure photonics’ future