European body to support photonics

Europe has a new body championing the cause of photonics thanks to the creation of 'Photonics 21', reports Optics.org.

More than 200 experts from 16 European member states and 120 companies celebrated the launching event earlier this month in Brussels.

Photonic 21 is one example of the European commission's new 'technology platforms', which aim to improve the competitiveness of European R&D by exploiting the close relationship between industry and academia. The photonics platform joins those already established in areas such as steel, software, micro electronics and healthcare.

"What this means is that for the first time photonics is recognised as a strategic technology for European industry," said Tom Pearsall, General Secretary of EPIC. "The objective is to capture European advantages in technology and turn it to a commercial advantage for manufacturing."

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