The success of the Photonics Leadership Group was underlined at its latest meeting at Photonex, Coventry on 10 October. With meetings now regularly attended by over 30 senior representatives from industry, academia and support agencies from a pool of over 60 the views of the group are increasingly sort to provide input into into policy and strategy at corporate and government level.
By ensuring industry, government and agency motivations, insights and interventions are mutually understood the PLG aims to ensure industry can position itself in the fast-stream, swimming with the currents of user demand, innovation and policy. Photonics is vital to meeting the challenges of the 21st century and, with over 30 activity streams over the last 18 months, the PLG recognise the importance of responding rapidly, concisely and accurately to those seeking to understand how photonics can help meet those challenges.
To sustain this activity level, the group voted at its meeting in June 2018 to seek voluntary financial contributions from regular participants and confirmed that on October 10 that invoices will be distributed shortly. Whilst this will raise valuable income to sustain activities, it is stressed that the group remains open to all stakeholders and recognises not everyone will be able to contribute financially.