MONTANA S EMERGING PHOTONICS INDUSTRY AND THE MPIA Larry Johnson President, Montana Photonics Industry Alliance September 11, 2014
The Montana Optics Cluster In 2012 Regional Technology Strategies, Inc identified a rapidly growing cluster of optics and photonics companies and research institutions in Montana. Comprised of over 25 organizations, this cluster is the highest per capital concentration of optics and photonics companies and research institutions in the United States.
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry First Industry Survey Conducted in the spring and summer of 2014. 20 survey respondents 25 optics and photonics companies 460 employees Growing at 9% in 2014
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry Definition We define Montana optics and photonics organizations to include those that meet one or more of the following criteria: a. Manufacture or sell products that rely on optics or photonics technology for a significant portion of their functionality. Examples include companies that manufacture or sell lasers, laser ranging systems, optical spectrometers, or optical materials such as silicon and laser crystals. b. Derive a majority of their revenue from products that are sold into the optics or photonics market. Examples include companies that sell laser power supplies and companies that sell cryogenic cooling systems used in photonic research. c. Departments and other groups within universities that teach and/or engage in optics or photonics research. Examples include the MSU Physics and EE/Optics programs, the Optical Technology Center, and Spectrum Lab.
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry New Wave Research
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry Company Size Distribution Company size distribution at the end of 2013. 1 10 employees 14 11 20 employees 5 21 50 employees 4 51 100 employees 1 >100 employees 1 Total 25
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry A. What are the three most important things that the MPIA could do to promote the success your organization? The three most common answers were: Promote Montana s photonics industry, both outside and inside the state (28%) Provide networking opportunities (17%) Provide assistance with recruiting (17%)
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry B. What are the three most important things that the city/county government could do to promote the success your organization? The three most common answers were: Support the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance (20%) Support a campaign to increase awareness the growing Montana photonics industry and the attractiveness of this area for photonics companies and employees (20%) Support infrastructure projects such as increased internet bandwidth and better business travel connections (20%)
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry C. What are the three most important things that the state government could do to promote the success your organization? The three most common answers were: Provide funding to support research, development, and marketing of new products (39%) Support a campaign to increase awareness the growing Montana photonics industry and the attractiveness of this area for photonics companies and employees (17%) Provide assistance with recruiting (11%)
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry Interests are well aligned with the Governor s Main Street Montana project
Montana s Emerging Photonics Industry Interests are well aligned with the Governor s Main Street Montana project
Why Are Clusters Important for Montana? Clusters are of interest... because they can help power a regional economy... Clusters boost innovation Clusters lead to higher wages and productivity Clusters improve employment opportunities Clusters stimulate regional entrepreneurship Clusters aid diversification and improve regional sustainability National Governor s Association, 2007
Why Are Clusters Important for Montana s Optics and Photonics Companies? Harvard Business School s Michael Porter's defines clusters as groups of similar and related firms concentrated in a small geographic area (Porter, 1998). A cluster must consist of interconnected firms in the same fields, specialized suppliers, service providers, firms in related industries, and associated institutions (such as trade associations, universities, technology transfer centers, etc.). Through their competitive and cooperative dynamics, industry clusters are successful in creating competitive advantages for their member firms.
Montana Photonics Industry Alliance
Montana Photonics Industry Alliance Who We Are The Montana Photonics Industry Alliance is a network of Montana optics and photonics companies, entrepreneurs, laboratories and universities. 25 companies 460 employees Growing at 9% in 2014
Montana Photonics Industry Alliance Mission The Montana Photonics Industry Alliance serves as a hub for Montana s optics and photonics companies, entrepreneurs, laboratories, and universities to commercialize, grow and sustain globally leading organizations that create high quality jobs and economic opportunity in Montana.
Montana Photonics Industry Alliance Long-Term Objective Foster the growth of Montana optics and photonics companies, universities, and other organizations to achieve at least 1000 photonics-related jobs by the end of 2024.
Montana Photonics Industry Alliance Major accomplishments of the Past Year Established a Board of Directors and organizational structure Hosted quarterly networking socials Implemented a website with an active employment page Co-hosted a Montana Reception at Photonics West 2014 with the Governor s office Completed first Montana optics and photonics industry survey
Montana Photonics Industry Alliance New initiatives Coordinate an MPIA group presence at Photonics West 2016 (Pete Roos) Work with Gallatin College to initiate a Photonics Technician certificate (Steve Birrell) Make local, low cost training opportunities available to MPIA members (Joe Sawyer) Sponsor company tours, including a tour for the MSU student chapter of the SPIE (Larry Johnson)
Montana Photonics Industry Alliance We are supported by State of Montana City of Bozeman Prospera Business Networks
Montana Photonics Industry Alliance How to participate Become a member of the MPIA, it s free thanks to the support of the City of Bozeman Contact us through our website at www.montanaphotonics.org Attend our quarterly networking socials Come work for one of our member companies Attractive wages and benefits Enjoy Montana s unique quality of life Start an optics or photonics company!
www.montanaphotonics.org
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