In the first call from UKRI , the new body combining the Research Councils and Innovate_UK expressions of interest have been invited on the main challenges faced by industry where intervention will make a significant impact on the grand challenges identified in the 2017 industry strategy. The PLG welcomes this open call from UKRI which…
Significant changes have been proposed to the government power to intervene and examine M&A and foreign direct investment in business with > £1 million turnover (reduced from £70m) irrespective of their share of the UK market. These measures would apply to companies supplying dual use or military items listed on the strategic export list –…
Photonics continues to develop rapidly, driven by diversification into new applications and rapid expansion of existing applications. This presents the industry, in the UK, with a number of challenges. The PLG are currently capturing and summarising these challenges and what actions may have a transformative impact on them and the industry. The current draft of…
Published on 23Jan 2017, the UK’s latest industrial strategy presents many opportunities for photonics summarised in our compressed analysis of the industry strategy
The UK’s new industry strategy is now published. Whilst, the 10 pillars of the strategy will support continued development of photonics, the vital role of enabling technologies, such as photonics, that provide the competitive edge in product performance, and manufacturing productivity needs to be fully recognised. Less than 5% of the value of high technology…
The Photonics Leadership Group welcomes the publication of UK Industry Strategy and looks forward to developing a sector deal for photonics and light based technologies with UK government that addresses needs of both UK photonics industry and the huge range of firms enabled by photonics. The priority given in the strategy to industries, such as photonics,…
New multiband imaging chips offer the potenital for lightweight simultaneious imaging from LWIR thermal range to the visible spectrum. However, operational systems also need simultanous break throughs in optical matierals, coatings, electroincs, image processing and system design. Advances in all of these are taking place in the UK, but lack of ‘visibility’, coordination and ‘focus’…
The PLG has updated its detailed analysis of technical areas within photonics that will provide the greatest opportunities for future growth of the industry in the UK. UK photonics future growth
The major opportunities for future growth within the UK photonics sector are identified within this draft report – PLG_UK_Photonics_Future_growth_Jan2014draft. The report highlights area where the UK can be an international leader in significant markets and what should be done to maximise these opportunities. This report acts as a guide for developing and reaffirming business and…
Future UK opportunity Supporting UK core strength / justification Action (s) required Plastic electronics (PE)* enables circuits and devices to be printed or deposited onto a range of surfaces. This is leading to a whole new generation of innovative products and applications that need large areas and/or flexibility for market sectors such as automotive, healthcare,…