Michael Mertin re-appointed President of Photonics21

15 Dec 2014

Jenoptik President & CEO will once again represent the technology platform for the European photonics sector.

The Jenoptik CEO Michael Mertin was re-elected president with a unanimous vote at the Photonics21 Members’ Meeting at the end of November 2014. The association says it has begun a decisive new phase for the photonics sector over the past two years.

In 2013, a seven-year roadmap was adopted with the aim of promoting research and development in the sector. Then in December 2013: Photonics21 concluded a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the European Commission, a contract between the public sector and private photonics companies.

Mertin commented, “The Public-Private Partnership reinforces the commitment of photonics manufacturers to promoting innovation in Europe and strengthening cooperation between private and public institutions. I thank the members of Photonics21 for their trust and confidence and am determined to continue advancing this matter in the next two years.”

The Public Private Partnership is also part of Horizon 2020. This framework program bundles current European research and innovation projects, including those in the photonics sector. The primary objective is to encourage private investment in research and innovations, successfully introduce these to the market and also strengthen innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.

Photonics drives innovation

In 2009, the European Commission identified photonics as one of five key enabling technologies, confirming its role as an important driver of innovation for numerous other sectors. According to industry estimates, sales in the global photonics market will rise to about €615 billion by 2020 (2011: €350 billion). According to a study by the European Commission, 20 to 30 percent of the European economy is already dependent on photonics. Optical technologies are used in many areas of everyday life, such as for energy-efficient lighting and laser materials processing, in medical diagnostics as well as information and communication technology.

The European technology platform Photonics21 was established in December 2005 by companies and research institutes from the field of optical technologies. This photonics association now has over 2,500 members from most European countries. They continue to promote a joint European position on optical technologies in the 21st century.

As an integrated optoelectronics group, Jenoptik divides its activities into five divisions: Lasers & Material Processing, Optical Systems, Industrial Metrology, Traffic Solutions and Defense & Civil Systems. Its customers around the world mainly include companies in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry, automotive and automotive supplier industry, medical technology, security and defense technology as well as the aviation industry.

About the Author

Matthew Peach is contributing editor to optics.org.