of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective The Leverage Effect

The Leverage Effect of Photonics Technologies: the European Perspective
computing and mobile communications (mobile phones), although the
boundaries between these classifications are increasingly blurred (e.g.
mobile TV).
Research and development for displays and screens focus primarily on
improvement in performance, new types of screens and innovations in
manufacturing. Research aims to improve lifetime, brightness, colour
coverage, energy efficiency, response speed and resolution. The research
on new types of screens and displays looks at, for example, the
development of coloured electronic ink and flexible screens, as well as
pico-projection, 3D and near eye displays. As well as performance, significant
research attention is given to reducing costs in the manufacturing
of screens and developing volume manufacturing processes. This is
especially so for new and emerging display technologies which can only
find market application with the development of cost effective high
volume manufacturing processes. The European strengths are more
oriented at the development of more radical new products (including
design and human perception) and less at reducing cost for mass production.
Also because of a historical development, the knowledge base
on materials is strong in Europe.
The production of base materials is also considered strong in Europe,
as the market for some of these input materials is dominated by European
companies [IPTS, 2009; evaluation workshop]. This is strengthened
mainly because of the strong connection to innovative European companies,
who are in cooperation with research organisations, creating
new display concepts.
The actual production of displays (components) is dominated by Asian
companies, especially from China and Korea. However, these are mainly
consumer oriented large volume products, where in the more niche
oriented and high tech displays Europe still has a significant position.
This includes the production of displays for non consumer markets like
the automotive, healthcare and defence/security (professional markets)
where the UK and Germany are relatively highly represented. Also here,
new and innovative concepts for (still) niche markets are of importance
for European companies, (e.g. near eye displays).
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The applications in enabled final markets are very diverse and as displays,
content and data transmission continue to develop in parallel