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. In response to this growth, top professionals in fields utilizing KETs have formed an expert group to assist the European Commission in the implementation of the strategy to boost the industrial production of KETs-based products in Europe. Today marks the inaugural meeting of the European Commission Key Enabling Technologies (KET) High Level Commission expert group, including professionals in automotive, communication, aeronautics, defence, medical and energy fields.

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. 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.

“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 June 26, 2012, and promotes the development of KETs policies by the Member States.

“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,” said Carlos Lee, director general of EPIC. Lee is a member of the working group on “Promotion and Implementation of KETs Policies at National and Regional Level.”

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.

The group was inaugurated by European Commissioners Antonio Tajani from DG Enterprise, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn from DG Research, and Johannes Hahn from DG Regio. Drew Nelson, President of EPIC, represents the photonics industry.