Photonics: UK StrategyPhotonics: UK Strategy_2e528680-f9c4-4810-b9dc-ecb1fce0381cThere is good reason to believe that the impact of photonics in the 21st century will be as significant as electronics was in the 20th, or steam in the 19th._4aef3e20-f57c-4056-91eb-b49c5bf7cd63To provide a coherent and co-ordinated national strategy for developing and applying photonics technology_bf86170e-d1a2-4765-b2dc-524a5529d5ccStrategic DirectionEstablish an industry/government strategic body to act as the UK voice for photonics and to provide strategic direction to all UK photonics stakeholders_bfed2ec4-8ae4-47f4-8bc2-8a7275a56d2d1The aim is to have a single UK voice for photonics, supported by all stakeholders, and ensure that photonics is central to the UK’s innovation strategy. This could take the form of a Photonics Leadership Group (PLG) working in collaboration with relevant Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTN). The PLG should seek to influence policy development at a regional, national and international level, and to promote photonics to interest groups and the public.Highly Skilled StaffEnsure the supply of highly-skilled photonics staff_bcded259-fddc-4c85-88a3-da40c76b06022Activities should be targeted widely, including work with the Sector Skills Council for electronics (SEMTA) and other relevant bodies. Photonics-related training should be extended to include leadership, global marketing/sales and intermediate technician skills, with a variety of means of access. Partnerships with industry could help with training generally, and in improving the skills and opportunities for photonics staff through employer-led development programmes.Knowledge Transfer NetworksEncourage newly-formed Knowledge Transfer Networks to map UK strengths against emerging market opportunities_72a629a5-aaae-4a20-be3b-416b802d1e8e3The fragmented nature of photonics at present is a barrier to its promotion and development. A UK photonics capability database could facilitate training provisions and supply chain linkages as well as target resources on areas of greatest potential.PromotionRaise the profile and promote the depth and breadth of UK photonics excellence_e27afb31-9d70-4c8e-a13a-100452da62304A co-ordinated communications plan using all media channels should be developed to address schools, government administrations, overseas posts, regional and devolved government, industry, the finance community and the general public. A network of industry ‘experts’ and showcase international trade and technology conferences could support the programme. This plan should address both domestic and international audiences.Business ClimateEnsure that the UK remains an attractive location to support existing photonics activities and to attract global photonics organisations_12e0b023-699e-4c24-8776-3756c05fc36e5DTI should work with UK Trade & Investment, Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and Devolved Administrations (DAs) and other government departments to develop an attractive investment environment. These bodies will also be instrumental in harnessing public sector purchasing to drive innovation and business success, improving education and training, and reducing the taxation and bureaucratic burdens on Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) in particular.Grand ChallengesIdentify a series of aspirational photonic ‘grand challenges’ to develop innovative solutions based on future market requirements_883748af-963b-4c5c-b691-11bd895f507b6Programmes similar to those of the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency should be considered, aligned to future public procurement needs in areas including healthcare, defence, public safety, environment, security and energy efficiency. The timing of these challenges could lead to suitable showcases at the London 2012 Olympics.2010-02-08http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file39193.pdfArthurColman (www.drybridge.com)colman@drybridge.com