Interesting read... photonics21

http://www.osa-opn.org/home/articles/volume_25/september_2014/departments/finding_a_voice_for_photonics/#.VgAUCt9_Oko

Some links at the end of the page are also worth a read such as:

• Harnessing Light: Optical Science and Engineering for the 21st Century (U.S. National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1998).

• Optics and Photonics: Essential Technologies for Our Nation (U.S. National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 2013).

• Towards 2020—Photonics Driving Economic Growth in Europe: Multiannual Strategic Roadmap 2014–2020(European Technology Platform Photonics21, Brussels, April 2013).

• Lighting the Path to a Competitive, Secure Future (National Photonics Initiative, Washington, D.C., May 2013).

• Fast-Track Action Committee on Optics and Photonics, Building a Brighter Future with Optics and Photonics(National Science and Technology Council, Washington, D.C., April 2014).

• Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech) Program

• Optoelectronics Industry Development Association

• International Optoelectronics Association