of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective The Leverage Effect

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The Leverage Effect of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective 5.4 Social drivers European countries have generally already entered the post-industrialised development phase of the so-called information society. Knowledge and information are becoming an increasingly important resource for modern societies and are essential for innovation and the economy. More knowledge and fast communication provide a competitive advantage and are highly connected to the photonics industry: ■ Further development of communication infrastructure (in quantity and quality) will continue in the coming decades, supported by the growing need for new photonic devices. ■ Information, communication and entertainment will be the core drivers for innovation, indirectly leading to a further demand for speed, safety and reliability. Despite the recession, further growth in these three markets will continue. New gadgets, new media, faster internet, are just three examples of the effect of the ongoing increase of the use of information in our society. Traditionally, human beings are reluctant to accept changes. However, technologies and innovations often are seen to play a key role in solutions to societal challenges like mobility, environment and security. The acceptance of these innovations depends on the societies’ attitude towards their implementation, as well as legislation. Photonics is on the way to becoming a universal technology similar to electronics. Many innovations are impossible without photonics and likely to be accepted and even fostered without discussion. In general it is rather unlikely that photonics will generate similar controversies as nanotechnology or genetic engineering. Therefore the question of social acceptance may not be about photonics as such, but about the acceptance of the technologies that photonics enable. One could say that the societal attitude towards photonics enabled products is positive. 128 / 190 One of the most prominent differences between the United States and Europe is the social attitude towards the balance between the individual and society. One could say that the US looks at this as “maximizing opportunities for the individual is beneficial for society as a whole”,
The Leverage Effect of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective whereas the European countries approach the balance as “a well organized society is good for the individual”. However, also in Europe a trend towards a more American approach can be seen, maximizing the opportunities of individuals. This would also have consequences for the photonics industry: ■ An important consequence might be a changing customer and societal demand. Societal support to challenges like environment, healthcare and defence might be reduced, as the individual preferences are more dominant. E.g. environmental technologies like PV and energy reduction would find less governmental support. ■ Also support for investments in large radical innovations might be reduced. A more gadget oriented, fragmented business strategy is then to be followed. If a more social view on society would be taken, large system innovations will be supported, as well as innovations that address the grand challenges. Main messages of social drivers of change for the photonics industry: ● The driver of ICT for new innovation is still at the core of our society and will further initiate new demand for related products, especially in the fields of information, communication and entertainment. ● Societal acceptance of innovations related to photonics is highly positive, although some application areas might be controversial (e.g. privacy). ● National trends towards policy to stimulate individual innovations can be seen. This might have strong implications towards the character of demand for photonics enabled products (less societal challenges), also leading to a more general policy support. It will reduce opportunities for more radical innovations. 129 / 190
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