A label with a profound ring
Optical technologies made in Germany – this label had and still has a profound ring to it. Precision optics has become a great tradition in Germany, linked with such names like Carl Zeiss. Many innovations in precision optics and camera technology originated here. In more recent times optical principles elaborated in Germany have initiated many developments, for instance in quantum optics. Also German laser technology has adopted a superior position on the world stage, owing not least of all to highly concentrated and systematic promotion by the federal government. German engineering, science and production enjoy high standing.
An Interview with Dr Bernd Weidner, CEO of OpTecBB , an initiative of companies, universities and scientific institutes to strengthening the economic power of the Berlin-Brandenburg region through joint activities using the potential of the optical technologies.
Adlershof special: Optical technologies made in Germany – how does this label sound to you today?
Bernd Weidner: Indisputably laser technology. It has become so to speak a synonym for modern optics, in both basic research and the production process. Even highly industrialised countries like Japan, the USA and Canada look towards Germany, the extremely high standards this technology has attained, and its use in production. Here, Germany is the leader on the world market.
Above all small and medium sized enterprises mould the sector?
That’s a general attribute of this sector of which corporate groups make up only 15 - 25%. The great majority are SMEs, often proprietor run and highly innovative. In fact, the Berlin company Glas KGaA is very nearly the exception with about 900 employees, when ten to two hundred are the rule. Smaller companies are more flexible, change processes can be implemented faster, and you can align faster to a changing environment. Large companies like for instance Siemens are more into technology scouting: They look where innovations are made so that they can implement these or, not uncommonly, buy these small companies.
We haven’t seen the end of the crisis yet. Where does the sector stand now?
There’ll undoubtedly be the one or other insolvency in our region, too, yet all in all we are extraordinarily stable. Before the crisis an 8 - 10% growth was not uncommon. The sector has grown because it is highly diverse, highly innovative, and extends all over the world. A number of segments have been hit harder, like the parts suppliers and service providers for the automotive industry. Many companies are using this time to evolve. We are after all talking about a cross sectional technology. In other words many companies are putting out feelers for new areas their products can be used in.
What fields of application enjoy particular attention in the Berlin- Brandenburg region?
That’d be laser technology that is being developed in part here or assembled specifically for the mass market; medicine of course, telecommunications and traffic engineering. Camera technology is a highly developed sector, and applications for photovoltaics are steadily gaining in importance. Here in Adlershof and the region there are many example of optical technologies being used in material research, surface analysis and materials plus efficiency testing for photovoltaics.
Where do you see the strengths of the region compared with others?
In the Berlin firm Glas KGaA we have one of the largest precision optics companies, and also powerful companies providing optical analyses and componentry. In addition there is a string of companies working on optical fibres, also for medical applications, and a powerful optoelectronics industry and microsystems technology with complementary knowhow for development and production. Optical telecommunications is a highlight in Berlin. Not forgetting that Rathenow has again become a key location for ophthalmic optics. We have a very broad spectrum.
What’s Adlershof’s role in this?
Adlershof has become a perfect example of courageous and farsighted political decisions. Also a science and technology park was set up here, in spite of resistance, with systematic promotion and an active regional economic policy. Humboldt University and numerous research institutes are at home here. In addition we have the student environment and the history of the location. All of this contributes to the special vitality of the technology park. A great many world market leaders are working today in Adlershof. Here diversity is being created and interaction organised with excellent communications and an international network.
Where do you see particularly exciting developments?
Environmental engineering and energy efficiency pose the challenges and the question how technology can contribute towards solving the major problems of our society: Safeguarding the supply of energy, maintaining the protection of the environment, improving the quality of life, generating support for everyday processes and making food safer.
How does the next generation stand?
For a long time the question about the next generation wasn’t so important. Berlin is an attractive place. Now though, we observe for instance how schools are cutting back on natural science lessons, so many pupils are simply not choosing these subjects any more. On this front we are creating partnerships between schools, research institutes and companies intended to make the natural sciences more interesting. After all, these subjects have given rise to an innovative working world that can provide a future. Although there is a rush on the natural science departments at the universities, only few make it to the diploma or master’s degree owing to the often poor requirements. Excellent science attracts excellent minds. Yet, also the rewards must be in keeping if we are to lure top scientists from abroad and keep them here. Young scientists look for top science, and for encouraging financial conditions for science.
About OpTecBB
OpTecBB e.V. belongs to the seven regional competence networks funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in the field of optical technologies. The association promotes research, science, development and training in this field, and in particular supports suitable, also interdisciplinary collaborations between competence, knowledge and resource centres in their research work and the transfer of results to the field.
Link: www.optecbb.de/en/