of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective The Leverage Effect

The Leverage Effect of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective
7.10
Social impact is overall
positive, but focus on the
negative impacts
The assessment of the six value chains clearly shows that in the majority
of cases, photonics can have a positive impact on social issues.
This is particularly the case for healthcare, security, employment and
the digital divide where the positive impact is clear. However, the information
overload initiated by high quality access to information and
communication can initiate a negative societal impact. This needs to be
researched and countermeasures need to be identified.
7.11
The environmental impact is
unclear, but potentially positive
The environmental impact assessment of the six value chains showed
that a decisive conclusion cannot be drawn. Although the preliminary
assessment of the impact on climate change shows that there might
be a reduction of unsustainable energy usage, there are high risks on
rebound effects. Whilst reduction of energy consumption of products is
clear, overall new functionalities can initiate such a strong overall usage
that the net gain is negative. The further development of the photonic
energy systems and advanced lighting show a more positive outcome.
As regards waste, the increased complexity and overall increase in waste
might be negative. However, analysing this complex environmental impact
is beyond the scope of the study and the recommendation is therefore
that this should be further researched.
160 / 190
A clear conclusion can be drawn on energy consumption. As the market
developments are highly consumer driven and difficult to regulate,