Sales by the 175 companies and 9 research institutes have risen to EUR 2.85 billion since the last report two years ago. The number of people employed in optics is 15,200. 66 per cent of the turn-over comes from export, a figure which is well above the average for the state and shows how competitive products from Thuringia are on the global scene. The main markets are in western Europe, North America and China. The sector’s success is due in no small way to the innovativeness of its companies. This makes research and development crucial, and the report shows that approximately 10 per cent of total turnover is reinvested in R&D. (maa)
