of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective The Leverage Effect
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Leverage</strong> <strong>Effect</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Photonics</strong> <strong>Technologies</strong>: <strong>the</strong> <strong>European</strong> <strong>Perspective</strong><br />
and access to financial capital is strong. This has strong implications for<br />
<strong>the</strong> photonics industry:<br />
■ <strong>The</strong> photonics industry can be characterized as a high tech sector,<br />
where relatively large investments are needed to fur<strong>the</strong>r develop<br />
<strong>the</strong> industry. Some parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> industry are mature sectors, where<br />
<strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> photonics to <strong>the</strong> industry is still in its early stages, in<br />
need <strong>of</strong> financial capital.<br />
■ As an important competitor, <strong>the</strong> easy access to financial capital in<br />
China can lead to pressure on <strong>the</strong> competitiveness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>European</strong><br />
industry. Thus, photonics relies heavily on <strong>the</strong> access to finance used<br />
to support innovation and development, both within <strong>the</strong> photonics<br />
industry, but especially in <strong>the</strong> industries enabled by photonics.<br />
Globalisation is not only about increase in markets. It is also about<br />
<strong>the</strong> continuing integration <strong>of</strong> economies, cultures, societies, politics,<br />
transport, communication and crime. This globalization changes <strong>the</strong><br />
economic structure <strong>of</strong> our society, <strong>of</strong>fering new opportunities but also<br />
threats. <strong>The</strong> brain drain <strong>of</strong> human resources is a good example <strong>of</strong> this<br />
two edged sword, leading to new high quality personnel from China<br />
and emigration <strong>of</strong> graduates, highly relevant for photonics research.<br />
But also <strong>the</strong> inter-connectivity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> economies creates challenges like<br />
international crime and security risks, because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir global dependencies<br />
(e.g. <strong>the</strong> present economic crisis). <strong>The</strong> photonics industry will be<br />
faced with various effects from this globalisation:<br />
■ <strong>The</strong> brain drain is a high risk for <strong>the</strong> <strong>European</strong> photonics industry, as<br />
it is depending on high quality personnel. This demands organisational<br />
adjustments to secure availability <strong>of</strong> highly skilled personnel.<br />
■ Already, photonics research and industry are highly globalized and<br />
<strong>the</strong> value chain analysis shows weak chain linkages. New business<br />
models are needed, organizing <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> low cost personnel and<br />
global knowledge (e.g. <strong>of</strong>f shoring and open innovation).<br />
■ Next to <strong>the</strong>se new structures, globalisation also is accompanied by<br />
<strong>the</strong> need for high quality communication infrastructures, leading to<br />
new demand for photonic products.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most important production factors for industry are human<br />
resources, in particular highly qualified personnel: engineers and<br />
technicians as well as, researchers. Various reports show that <strong>the</strong> fu-<br />
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