EPIC Represents Photonics Industry at European Commission Key Enabling Technologies High Level Expert Group

The group was launched today to assist the European Commission in the implementation of the strategy to boost the industrial production of KETs-based products in Europe.

Brussels, Belgium – 27 February 2013 – EPIC represents the photonics industry at the inaugural meeting of the European Commission Key Enabling Technologies High Level Commission expert group. The group was launched today to assist the European Commission in the implementation of the strategy to boost the industrial production of KETs-based products in Europe. The global market in Key Enabling Technologies (KET) is forecast to grow from about 650 billion euro in 2008 to over one trillion euro in 2015. World leading industries in the fields of automotive, communication, aeronautics, defence, health and energy are all intensive users of KETs.


Representing the European photonics industry, EPIC President Drew Nelson, CEO and President of epitaxial wafer supplier IQE, has been appointed as a member of the new High Level Group as technology representative for the Photonics KET. "I will be a vigorous supporter and promoter of KETs at regional, national, and European level and take every opportunity to help design and implement policies to help the competitiveness of Europe through the rapid deployment of KETs" Drew Nelson stated, "I expect from the KET high level group that it is able to persuade the European Commission through evidence based examples and debate to adapt EU policies throughout each Directorate General that fully support KETs implementation throughout Europe."

The expert group advises the European Commission on KETs related policy issues, follows up the implementation of the European strategy for KETs adopted by the European Commission on 26 June 2012, and promotes the development of KETs policies by the Member States.

Carlos Lee, Director General of EPIC, is a member of the working group on "Promotion and Implementation of KETs Policies at National and Regional Level". "KETs offer a fantastic opportunity for all of Europe, we must explore and embrace its potential. Especially in Photonics, there are many opportunities ahead of us". The group aims to foster the industrial deployment of European KETs in order to keep pace with main international competitors, restore growth, create jobs and help address today's major societal challenges.

Dr. Drew Nelson is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and has been named a regional winner at the "Ernst & Young's London & South Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards". He is the President of EPIC, the European Photonics Industry Consortium, and has an overview on various cross-cutting KETs including lasers for advanced manufacturing, sensors and imaging, photovoltaic, lighting, silicon photonic semiconductors, optical communication, and many other photonic related technologies.

Carlos Lee is since 2012 the Director General of EPIC, the European Photonics Industry Consortium. He brings with him a strong background in microelectronics which was acquired through several management positions held at the international association SEMI. Together with the advisory board he advocated several years for a more competitive semiconductor and photovoltaic manufacturing industry.

EPIC is the European Photonics Industry Consortium, a membership-led not-for-profit industry association that promotes the sustainable development of organisations working in the field of photonics. Our members encompass the entire value chain from LED lighting, PV solar energy, Silicon photonics, Optical components, Lasers, Sensors, Displays, Projectors, Optic fiber, and other photonic related technologies. We foster a vibrant photonics ecosystem by maintaining a strong network and acting as a catalyst and facilitator for technological and commercial advancement. EPIC works closely with related industries, universities, and public authorities to build a more competitive photonics industrial sector, capable of both economic and technological growth in a highly competitive world-wide marketplace. EPIC is registered on the European Commission Transparency Register under identification number: 04635146585-36. www.epic-assoc.com

Featured Product

​Stäubli Electrical Connectors

​Stäubli Electrical Connectors

​Stäubli Electrical Connectors are used on more than 300 GW, over 50% of the PV capacity worldwide. The MC4 family of UL and TUV listed products include connectors, in-line fuses, branch connectors, cable assembly and more.