Some of Europe's biggest industrial names, including Bosch, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Nokia Bell Labs, Zeiss, Trumpf, and EssilorLuxottica, have joined forces to urge the European Commission to place photonics at the heart of the next EU Framework Programme (FP10).
In a newly-published Joint Statement, leaders from across Europe's defense, automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and telecoms sectors 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".
With FP10 set to shape Europe's research and innovation agenda for 2028–2034, industry leaders argue that only a dedicated programme can ensure Europe's photonics sector remains globally competitive – powering breakthroughs in AI, quantum, energy, healthcare, mobility, and beyond.
"Photonics is the invisible force behind everything from AI and quantum computing to secure communications, energy, healthcare, defence, and mobility," said Dr Lutz Aschke, President of Photonics21. "But Europe is at risk of losing its critical, competitive edge unless FP10 delivers a stand-alone €2 billion photonics programme, capable of unlocking €6–8 billion in industrial co-investment."
The signatories stress that photonics is one of the few digital technologies where Europe has long been a leader, but warn that China's share of the global photonics market has surged from 10% in 2005 to 32% in 2022, while Europe's has slipped to 15%.
"Photonics is a strategic technology for Europe's prosperity, autonomy, and security. This joint statement shows that Europe's industrial leaders stand united," said Dr Aschke.