Photonics21 and European industry campaign to secure photonics’ future

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optics.org, Oct. 23, 2025 – 

Photonics “big beasts” lead warning that Europe risks falling further behind China and US.

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.

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