Global Markets: Looking for the Silver Lining

Charles T. Troy, charley.troy@laurin.com

Granted, the dark clouds of today’s global economic slowdown cast a shadow on many a photonics marketer’s plans. Those who are inclined to see the glass as half empty think of putting on the brakes. Those who see the glass as half full look for the silver lining.

And if you take a survey of current market reports, as we have, the glass indeed looks more full than otherwise.

And, as the articles in the section that follows illustrate, there is much to be optimistic about as we look down the road.

Our Salary Survey paints a picture of where the jobs are, how well employees are doing, how satisfied they are with what they’re doing and how they are being rewarded.

The Market section covers a lot of ground, from education to the growth of photonics clusters to the emergence of green technology as a market force – all evidence that opportunities abound.

It’s important to understand that the photonics market constantly reflects changes in technology and global conditions, and it no doubt will continue to do so. In times such as these, it is crucial to remember that and to be prepared to look for that silver lining.