The Netherlands possesses a strong and integrated ecosystem for photonic integrated circuits (PICs); chips that operate using light instead of electricity. This is evident from a recent deep dive by strategic consultancy Roland Berger, commissioned by Invest-NL. The study maps out where the opportunities lie for the Netherlands and what is needed to further strengthen its international position.
Demand for photonic chips is projected to grow strongly towards 2040, driven by applications in data communication, AI, and sensing, among others. The Netherlands has a strong starting position in this regard, thanks to the presence of leading knowledge institutions, specialized companies, and a well-functioning value chain. This combination makes it possible to move innovations from research to application more quickly.
At the same time, the analysis shows that further scaling up is necessary to remain internationally competitive. This includes investments in production capacity, talent development, and strengthening collaboration within the ecosystem.
The deep dive therefore offers valuable insights for companies, knowledge institutions, and policymakers active in photonics and high-tech systems.