Photonics21’s Photonics Public Private Partnership (PPP) Annual Meeting highlighted its partnership with the European Commission and its solid growth above global GDP. New president Aldo Kamper. Courtesy of Photonics21. Taking place at Le Plaza Hotel in Brussels, the meeting welcomed incoming president Aldo Kamper, CEO of Osram Opto Semiconductor GmbH, Khalil Rouhana, deputy director general of DG Connect and Philippe Vannson, head of the photonics unit of DG Connect to speak candidly about the achievements of the PPP and its placement to fulfill its investment pledges ahead of Horizon 2020. Photonics21 Vice President Giorgio Anania announced project spending to exceed €277.9 million ($294.2 million) with 335 industrial partners involved. With the global photonics industry doubling from €228 billion ($241 billion) in 2005 to €447 billion ($473.3 billion) in 2015, Anania revealed how the industry had outstripped global GDP growth across the decade. He also predicted 42,000 new European photonics jobs by the end of Horizon 2020. Photonics21 represents more than 3,000 personal members from across Europe and abroad, with experts in the photonics industry, research organizations and universities who develop a joint photonics strategy for future research and innovation in Europe.