A special interview featuring Photonics21 President Dr. Lutz Aschke, published in this month’s leading French technology magazine, Electroniques, discusses Europe’s position in the global photonics landscape – exploring the importance of strategic investment and supply chain resilience to secure Europe’s technological sovereignty.
In the interview, Dr Aschke outlines the crucial role of Photonics21 in shaping European research and innovation agendas and supporting the continent’s leadership in critical sectors such as quantum technologies, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
He also discusses the bold €4.25 billion industry plan recently presented to the European Commission, aimed at reinforcing Europe’s position in Photonic Integrated Circuits.
As global competition intensifies, Dr. Aschke calls for a strategic initiative to ensure Europe remains a key player in photonics innovation.
The full interview, originally published in French, is now available in English (below).
POLITICS
“We need a bold strategic initiative for photonics so Europe can stay competitive.”
The European Commission has implemented certain measures to support the photonics sector. But in light of delicate geopolitical and economic contexts, will that be enough to maintain our global position? Lutz Aschke, President of Photonics21, shares his insights.
Can you explain the role of Photonics21 in Europe’s photonics ecosystem?
Lutz Aschke: Photonics21 is the European Technology Platform (ETP) for photonics—a technology that encompasses all products and processes related to the generation, manipulation, and detection of light. Photonics is an integral part of a wide range of industries, including medicine and healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, security, food, and telecommunications.
Photonics is one of the critical technologies in which Europe remains a global power, both commercially and in research. Several Nobel Prizes have been awarded to European scientists for achievements in this field over the past two decades. Around 5,000 European SMEs are what we call “hidden champions” and global leaders in their specific photonics markets.
Europe ranks second globally in terms of production volume and market share. With more than 400 startups, our continent is one of the most prosperous and innovative regions for photonics in the world.
Leadership in the development of photonic components and systems translates into a competitive edge in many key markets and policy areas, such as the quantum internet, quantum computing, next-generation microelectronics, autonomous vehicles, Industry 5.0, virtual worlds, and many others.
From a more political standpoint, Photonics21 is the European Commission’s private partner in the Photonics Partnership, giving its members, through a democratic process, a say in the research and innovation priorities for photonics within European funding programmes—currently under Horizon Europe.
Germany is Europe’s leader in photonics (see p. 55). Is there a specific policy on photonics in Germany?
Lutz Aschke: Until recently, Germany had a dedicated national funding programme for photonics and still offers a specific funding envelope for photonics under its Quantum Systems programme—which is far less the case in other countries. Additionally, the country has many SMEs acting as hidden champions in their specific technological fields, playing a crucial role in the supply chain.
The European Union has invested €340 million to support the European photonics industry through the Photonics Partnership, aiming to ensure industrial leadership and economic growth in photonics and related industries. Is that enough to compete with China or the United States?
Lutz Aschke: European photonic innovations have long been at the forefront of global technological progress. In fact, for over a century, Europe’s photonics industry has been the source of emerging and cutting-edge innovations worldwide. Without photonics, there is no quantum computing, no artificial intelligence, no advanced medical diagnostics, and no sustainable energy solutions.
This EU investment is a step in the right direction. However, it’s fair to say that China recognizes the strategic impact of photonics and has continuously increased its market share for nearly 20 years. Without significant investments, Europe risks losing ground in this crucial technology sector, which could harm its economic security and technological independence.
We need substantial investments in photonics to ensure the EU maintains strategic autonomy in key sectors such as defence, telecommunications, automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Last year, the CEOs of eight major European photonics companies presented a €4.25 billion plan to the European Commission to support industry growth and build a strong supply chain. Why was this necessary, and what are the chances it will succeed?
Lutz Aschke: First of all, it’s important to highlight that this initiative only concerns photonic integrated circuits (PICs), a very promising niche within photonics. To ensure that PICs remain in Europe, the continent must play a role in global production and value chains, secure its supply chains, and achieve strategic autonomy in this area.
The plan outlines recommendations that would allow the EU’s integrated photonics industry to independently supply European clients and help the EU become a global market leader in this technology. The plan proposes €2 billion in incentives for industrial-scale PIC manufacturing capacity using indium phosphide (InP) and silicon nitride (SiN) and calls for improved access for SMEs to industrial PIC test and experimentation facilities.
It also proposes creating a €200 million resilience fund for strengthening manufacturing and supply chain investments and reducing vulnerabilities across the continent. It also proposes a €360 million fund to support application development and promote collaboration between vertical clusters and the European PIC ecosystem. As for its chances of success, the initiative is just beginning, but we are optimistic about its future.
How is the global geopolitical situation (US/China, Ukraine/Russia, Israel) affecting European photonics?
Lutz Aschke: Today’s geopolitical situation is disrupting supply chains. The European photonics industry depends on functioning supply chains and will, therefore, be impacted if those are blocked. The EU is trying to counter one-sided dependencies; a very important and recent example is the European Chips Act, particularly Pillars II and III, focused on “Supply Security and Resilience” and “Crisis Monitoring and Response.”
What are the main challenges facing European photonics?
Lutz Aschke: We need a bold strategic initiative for photonics so Europe can stay competitive against China and the US. Europe must address the shortage of skilled labour better to ensure the European photonics industry maintains its strengths.
Another major threat concerns the supply chain: we must strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty so our photonics industry remains globally competitive.
Interview by Christelle Eremian