CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre Labour Panel
The session, hosted in partnership with the New Statesman, the UK’s leading progressive political and cultural magazine, explored the photonics landscape within the UK, underscoring its importance and opportunities for further innovation.
Titled “How can investment in the photonics industry promote economic growth and sovereign resilience?”, the panel brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts. Participants included Professor Graham Reed, Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre and CORNERSTONE at the University of Southampton; Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Semiconductors All-Party Parliamentary Group; Professor Tara Shears, Fellow of the Institute of Physics and Vice President for Science and Innovation at the University of Liverpool; and John Lincoln, CEO of the Photonics Leadership Group.
The discussion emphasised photonics as a key driver of innovation, economic growth, and national resilience. The panel highlighted the UK photonics sector, currently valued at £18.5 billion, as underpinning applications across healthcare, defence, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. Professor Tara Shears noted that SiPh is one of the sector’s fastest-growing areas, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20–25%.
Panellists identified silicon photonics as a strategic priority for the UK. Professor Graham Reed underlined the importance of domestic infrastructure that allows companies to test, prototype, and scale their innovations, reducing reliance on overseas facilities. The panel also addressed the UK’s skills pipeline, with Ruth Jones MP highlighting the importance of inspiring children, starting as early as primary school, to pursue opportunities in high-skilled jobs. All participants agreed that tackling the skills shortage is critical to sustaining UK leadership in this fast-moving global industry.
Key Takeaway
Policy action over rhetoric – Sustained government commitment is required to translate the sector’s potential into economic and strategic impact.
Market growth – SiPh is projected to grow at 20–25% per year, highlighting the strategic importance of timely investment.
Photonics powers UK resilience – The sector underpins critical technology across multiple high-value industries
Infrastructure drives innovation – Domestic facilities for prototyping, testing, and scaling are essential for UK leadership.
Workforce development – Early engagement and education in STEM are crucial to build a sustainable talent pipeline.
The panel was a resounding success, demonstrating the vital role of cross-sector dialogue in shaping the future of UK photonics. By convening policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts, C-PIC continues to support the community with actionable insights, promoting the development of infrastructure, talent, and innovation necessary to maintain global competitiveness. This discussion further highlights C-PIC’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration, providing strategic guidance, and advancing the UK photonics sector.
