A new national report published by Photonics Finland, the PREIN Flagship, and Business Finland reveals strong and sustained growth in the Finnish photonics industry. Between 2023 and 2025, the sector has expanded by approximately 25%, with the total business volume estimated to exceed €2.5 billion. Over the same period, more than 1,500 new jobs have been created, and the number of active companies has increased to around 340. Today, photonics directly employs at least 7,500 professionals in Finland, with indirect impacts reaching across the broader high-tech and manufacturing sectors.
FotoStrong Growth Expected – Accompanied by Systemic Challenges
Finnish photonics companies anticipate an average growth of 48% over the next three years. This includes expansion in revenue, international markets, and personnel. However, sustaining this trajectory presents challenges: there is a growing need for skilled professionals, increased production capacity, investments in infrastructure, and efficient use of research facilities. Continued growth will require national coordination, strategic investments, and skills development.
The Finnish Photonics Roadmap 2025–2030
To meet these demands and guide future development, Photonics Finland has published the Finnish Photonics Roadmap 2025–2030, developed in collaboration with key industry and academic stakeholders. The roadmap identifies six strategic focus areas for sustainable and global growth:
- National pilot production line from research to industrialization
- Continuity of the PREIN Flagship initiative
- National growth program supporting export and business development
- Talent and skills development for a growing workforce
- Strengthening global impact and export capacity
- Enhancing the domestic photonics ecosystem
This roadmap offers a shared strategic direction for national development while aligning with broader European objectives.
Photonics – A European Key Enabling Technology
Photonics is recognized as a crucial technology for Europe’s strategic autonomy and technological competitiveness, enabling breakthroughs in areas such as health technologies, sensor systems, industrial automation, high-performance computing, and quantum technologies. Finland’s strong research base, agile companies, and growing industrial cluster position the country as an important contributor to the European photonics community.
Finnish photonics actors are committed to active collaboration within Europe — aiming to co-develop solutions for global challenges, enhance competitiveness, and advance technological leadership through joint initiatives and innovation platforms.
Connecting Technology, Business, and Policy
Photonics Finland, together with the PREIN Flagship and Business Finland, supports companies, researchers, and decision-makers in developing a dynamic and competitive national photonics ecosystem. The goal is to turn Finland’s photonics potential into a concrete advantage — for the country and for Europe.
Photonics — a technology that plays a vital role in the future of Europe’s innovation economy and industrial resilience.
More information:
Finnish Photonics Roadmap 2025 – 2030 (englanniksi)
Finnish Photonics Industry Survey 2025(englanniksi)