With the global market for key enabling technologies (KETs) forecast to grow from about €650 billion (about $780 billion) in 2008 to more than €1 trillion in 2015, an experts group has been formed to advise the European Commission on a strategy to boost the industrial production of KETs-based products in Europe. The inaugural meeting of the European Commission Key Enabling Technologies High Level Commission was held Wednesday and included professionals in the automotive, communication, aeronautics, defense, medical and energy fields using KETs. European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) President Drew Nelson, CEO and president of epitaxial wafer supplier IQE, was appointed as a member of the new high-level group as technology representative for the Photonics KETs. EPIC is a membership-led not-for-profit industry association that promotes the sustainable development of organizations working in the field of photonics. “I will be a vigorous supporter and promoter of KETs at [the] 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,” Nelson said. “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 to policy issues, follows up the implementation of the European strategy for KETs adopted by the EC in June 2012 and promotes the development of KETs policies by the Member States. (See: Euro Commission: Boost Tech to Create Jobs). EPIC Director General Carlos Lee is a member of the working group on “Promotion and Implementation of KETs Policies at the National and Regional Level.” The group aims to foster the industrial deployment of European KETs to keep pace with main international competitors, to restore growth, to create jobs and to help address today’s major societal challenges. For more information, visit: www.epic-assoc.com