Optics industry concerned about research funding: Trade fair starts
In view of the billion-euro shortfall in the federal budget, the Thuringian optics industry is worried about important research funding. "We have many small companies without their own research departments. They often apply for funding in cooperation with research institutions," said Nora Kirsten, Managing Director of the Optonet industry network. These funds are important for the further development and competitiveness of the location.
According to a recent industry survey, just under a quarter of companies consider government funding programs to be essential. The planned establishment of large semiconductor companies in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt is also having an impact on the photonics industry in Thuringia, said Kirsten.
Following a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, the federal government is not allowed to use 60 billion euros for climate protection as planned. The money should also be used to subsidize the establishment of companies such as Intel in Magdeburg. At federal level, ways are being sought to close the financial gap.
Thuringia, and Jena in particular, is one of the centers of the optical industry. A two-day industry fair entitled "W3+ Fair Jena" with 160 companies from the fields of photonics, optics, electronics and mechanics, including Jenoptik and Zeiss, will take place in the city on the Saale from Wednesday for the first time.
No relocations abroad planned
In general, the medium-sized photonics industry in the Free State is doing well, said Kirsten. According to Optonet estimates, the 186 companies will generate a turnover of around 3.8 billion euros in 2022. "Many manufacturers operate in niches, are highly specialized and some are also market leaders in their field. That makes them more resilient." Added to this is the high density of companies around Jena, which promotes exchange and cooperation. Relocating production to the USA or other countries, as other energy-intensive companies are sometimes planning to do, is therefore out of the question for almost no company here.
However, the industry is concerned about the expected shortage of skilled workers. In order to close this gap, not only more training and automation are needed, but also immigration. "In light of the current election forecasts, we are very worried about this," said Kirsten. "We can only score points as a location with a culture of welcoming and retaining people." The Jenoptik Executive Board also recently appealed for more tolerance and openness.
Given the upcoming "W3+ Fair Jena," showcasing 160 electronics and optics companies, concerns within the industry about funding for research and development projects are escalating. With a significant number of small companies relying on collaborative research funding for their survival and growth, the potential budget shortfall could drastically impact the sector's future prospects.
Source: www.dpa.com
