Stephen Anderson will present an update of the SPIE core optics and photonics components industry profile with new data also covering the photonics-enabled markets in 2018. His industry outlook will also address the likely impact of the recent coronavirus outbreak on the photonics industry. The SPIE global industry profile has become a key resource for investors, business leaders, and government representatives who need a clear picture of the worldwide photonics industry, its size, and economic impact. The SPIE industry profile has found use supporting business strategies, guiding investment decisions, and in the development of national policies to drive funding, business success and economic growth.

Jennifer O'Bryan will provide an update on advocacy and public policy issues affecting the optics and photonics community, both in the U.S. and internationally. Her presentation will address, for example, regulatory changes that could affect growth in emerging fields of technology, impact of the trade war between the U.S. and China, and new CFIUS Export and foreign investment policy requirements for foreign investment.

Robert McDougall will review recent patent trends in the field of remote sensing and will also cover ways that companies can reduce their IP spend.

We present a vision for the future of photonics, identifying the key topics that will be the focus of research a decade or more from now. Based on the collective input of 26 of the UK’s leading photonics academics, 70 key topics are highlighted for future research focus across materials, optical and physical phenomena, future manufacturing processes, device and systems. This unique horizon scanning exercise, jointly published with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Photonics and Quantum, aims to stimulate engagement from government, funding agencies and industry to shape future innovation strategy and to inspire the next generation of researchers.