In Germany optical technologies can also expect to record nine percent growth this year. However, to ensure that the industry continues on its success course Spectaris, the German Industrial Association for Optical, Medical and Mechatronical Technologies, believes that measures have to be taken to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the industry. In this connection the association sees various measures that could be taken by the government as well as by the companies concerned.

German companies in the optical industry already achieved record sales last year. With sales of 22 billion euros in 2007 the industry recorded a 13 percent increase over 2007. At home, companies recorded a 15 percent rise to seven billion euros. Revenue from exports was increased by 12 percent and totaled 15 billion euros. The most important international sales market remained the European Union, which accounted for 68 percent of all exports. However, the industry also achieved considerable growth in China. Here, exports increased by 45 percent, although China's share in Germany's total exports is still low, at two percent. Exports to the USA increased slightly, by three percent. The companies' massive innovation potential was also evidenced by their expenditure for research and development. On average, the industry ploughed ten percent of its sales revenues back into R&D.
In 2007 the industry also increased the number of jobs available. With a seven percent increase in employee numbers - to around 114,000 - the optical industry proved to be a true “job engine”. As they are the basis for the development and manufacture of products in many other industries optical technologies have an indirect effect on up to 15 percent of the roughly 5.8 million jobs in the processing industry.
For the current year Spectaris expects to see a nine percent rise in sales. This positive estimate will be borne by both domestic sales and exports. The companies forecast a roughly ten percent rise in domestic sales. In terms of exports, the industry expects to see an increase of around eight percent. The number of jobs should rise by at least three percent.
One of the major challenges facing the optical technologies industry is the lack of skilled employees. “Because of the strong growth there is an above-average need for skilled staff in the industry,” says Sven Behrens, Spectaris CEO. As a result of this there is a need for action from the government and on the part of the companies. Among other things the task of politicians is to promote enthusiasm for technology in society through suitable measures. It is also important that training and advanced training course in Germany are improved and that opportunities for children from educationally disadvantaged families are increased. Demographic developments must also be counteracted so that, on the one hand, older skilled workers are integrated more. On the other hand, migration conditions and integration measures should be eased. Behrens also believes that companies also have to do more. For example, hiring policies have to be more smoothed out. Companies must also increase the amount of trainees they employ. Another measure would be to integrate older skilled workers more and introduce suitable measures to keep them in the company. Jobs for women must also be more flexible.