Optimism remains high in Scotland’s photonics sector despite global turbulence.

Photonics Scotland has today published the results of its Photonics in Scotland 2022 survey.

This survey, run annually since 2020, provides an important health check for the sector and generates vital insight to the progress and challenges towards our 2030 growth ambitions.

Against a backdrop of unprecedented challenge, including the lasting impact of the global pandemic, the continued fall-out from the UK’s departure from the European Union and the early effects of the war in Ukraine, it is hugely encouraging to report that the sector continues to show strong evidence of growth, with future sentiment also remaining optimistic. Indeed, 80% of Scotland’s photonics companies are forecasting growth in both revenue and employee numbers over the next 12 months, buoyed by a vibrant global market predicted to reach £1 trillion by 2027.

Challenges to growth remain, not least in the development of the future talent pool and management of disrupted global supply chains, but the resilience of the sector over recent years has placed it in an excellent position to exploit an accelerating market across a diverse range of applications.

This resilience is testament to the innovative companies at the core of Scotland’s photonics industry and its success provides an excellent illustration of the positive growth potential of active and vibrant clusters.

Photonics Scotland looks forward to working with our members and key stakeholders to support the continued growth of the sector over the next 12 months.