There is a general sentiment I heard multiple times at SPIE Photonics West when talking to industry professionals about the growing photonics community. It went somewhat like this: Not long ago, people looked at lasers as a cool technology lacking an application. However, today, you would be hard-pressed to find many viable technologies that lasers do not touch.
The general idea really resonated with me. It is the definition of the type of success every emerging technology and growing industry hopes to achieve one day. Very few technologies have been able to find their way into so many different industries and applications, especially over such a short time.
And as the world continues its smart journey towards what industry analysts have effectively coined Industry 4.0, the chances of photonics technologies further penetrating and ultimately capturing new opportunities only continues to multiply. After all, photonics are true enablers. Contributing writer Bob Violino covers this journey well in his feature (see article).
Of course, with growth comes challenges and the undeniable need to plan for pivots. With such a pattern of growth and market penetration, there is sure to be a pinnacle on the horizon. How do those within photonics continue to grow at that point? Obviously, considering the engineering talent within this sector, continued innovation, even if it is iterative in nature, will play a role in fueling future growth. And we will continue to cover and celebrate those innovations.
Yet, the ability to maintain the current growth trajectory will undoubtedly require businesses to look at other avenues as well. In no way am I belittling the mostly component approach photonics businesses have wholeheartedly embraced.
Coming from manufacturing myself, I have profitably turned more mirror ball stems for major automakers than I could possibly count. I have also machined millions of telecom networking components. But the reality is the real, sustainable value comes in providing an integrated system. It is about supplying something that is truly application-centric, and although I hate the saying, embracing the value-add.
A quick look at trends within other industries demonstrates the need for strategic action. Some players within the photonics community already recognize the significance of moving beyond designing and building innovative componentry, resulting in strategic acquisitions.
Simply put, what engineers, researchers, and manufacturers within this field create often goes under the radar. It’s time for that to change. It should be interesting to watch as this market continues to evolve, mature, and further flex its muscles.
