Market Challenges on Agenda

Future challenges in the photonics market and the lack of a qualified European photonics industry workforce will be on the agenda Dec. 8 and 9 at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel in Brussels during the third annual meeting for the Photonics21 platform. The event will draw more than 1000 members involved in European photonics research, politics and industry.

Participation in the first day of the two-day event is by invitation only and is devoted to meetings of the executive board and board of stakeholders. The general assembly will gather for the annual meeting's second day, which will begin with opening remarks by Photonics21 President and Osram CEO Martin Goetzeler.

The day is scheduled to include a presentation on future challenges in the photonics market, led by Kimio Tasuno, chief manager, OITDA (Optoelectronic Industry and Technology Development Association); a discussion on strategic planning for photonics in the European Parliament, to include parliament member Malcom Harbour; as well as a presentation of the Photonics21 annual report and draft action plan for 2009.

Thierry Van der Pyl of the European Commission is scheduled to participate in a discussion of Photonics in FP7 (7th European Research Framework Programme) for 2009-2010.

Workgroup sessions will include such topics as putting biophotonics into the clinic, an action plan for tackling the photonics industry skills shortage problem in Europe, and a large-scale demonstration of an energy efficiency lighting project.

For more information, visit: www.photonics21.org