Together with the European Network on Crystal Growth (ENCG) and the German Society for Crystal Growth (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kristallzüchtung & Kristallwachstum [DGKK]), contributions on academic and industrial activities related to crystals for electronics and photonics were collected and processed by the member organizations of the European crystal growth community. A status analysis was created as an interactive map based on the EU Advanced Materials Initiative 2030 (AMI 2030). This interactive map exclusively summarizes information from the public sector and enables the search and identification of individual partners that are relevant to a specific scientific and technological interest - comparable to a “knowledge broker”.

“Furthermore, it enables a status analysis to be carried out on missing components and competences to re-establish strategic competitiveness and stable supply chains in the EU”, states Prof. Dr. Thomas Schroeder, Director at Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ). “The aim is to set up functioning EU networks and overcome fragmentation into national entities”, the physicist and chemist continues. ENCG, DGKK, IKZ and interested stakeholders will work to consult national and EU authorities on necessary measures to close the gaps in the European Research Area (ERA) in the areas of research, development and supply of critical crystals. IKZ would like to thank the Fraunhofer Network 'Light & Surfaces', BVMatWerk and Spectaris for important discussions.

Crystals, including manufacturing of highly precise crystal components, provide the basis for many societal challenges in daily life (such as health, energy, mobility, communication, digitalization, etc.). In fact, the science and technology of crystals are at the heart of electronic (e.g. chips) and photonic technologies (e.g. lasers).

Decades of globalization have led to a widespread loss of both crystal knowledge and players with relevant technical expertise in academia and industry in Europe. The fragility of supply chains for academia and industry requires action at EU and national level to restore reliability in the small but important field of crystal technology. IKZ is the leading EU flagship institute in science and technology as well as service and transfer of crystals.