Electronic and laser industry

Innovative products and international recognition

Electronics

Lithuania is emerging fast as a key electronics manufacturing hub in the Baltic region. The country is renowned for its electronic, computer and optical products.

The country has many electronic manufacturing services (EMS) companies that produce primarily industrial electronics and telecom equipment. Niches like defense and medical electronics are expanding as well as high-end consumer electronics and computing storage. Lithuania provides a near-sourcing EMS hub for European firms through contract manufacturers including Kitron and Jotron (Norway); LittleFuse (US); Carlo Gavazzi (Switzerland) and Selteka (Lithuania).

Medical electronics and optical instruments are main focus areas for electronics manufacturers in Lithuania. Another key area is the manufacture of radio, television, and communications equipment components, which are exported to Scandinavia, Western Europe, and Eastern European countries like Poland and Russia.

Laser technology

Laser technology is a key industry for Lithuania, allowing the country to make its mark internationally. Lithuania accounts for more than half of the global market of pico-second laser spectrometers. These are widely exported to European countries, USA, Australia as well as countries in Asia.

At present in the country there are over 10 companies engaged in production of lasers and laser systems based on own research. The export production turnover is about € 20 million a year. 80% of laser production is exported to the international market. Lithuania has several research centers (Vilnius University, Institute of Physics, Semiconductor Physics Institute) carrying out world-class laser research. These centers develop the competence which provides qualified experts for laser technologies.

Lithuanian laser researchers have developed a few unique light sources and start performing applied laser research in the field of industrial laser systems. Qualification and experience of specialists guarantees development of laser products of the highest quality to the international market.

Laser manufacturing sector of Lithuania shows a 15–20% growth per year. Lithuania exports its laser products to 100 world countries, among which there are the largest EU, USA and Japanese laboratories and research centers.

Key production and services branches:

Industry’s key competitive advantages

• Global leadership in applying fundamental research to manufacturing
• Leading in global production of ultra-fast parametric light generators (80%)
• One in ten laser professionals holds a PhD
• 80% of production exported to nearly 100 countries

Sector highlights

• World’s first tunable wavelength laser was developed by Lithuanians and was named the World’s Best Scientific Laser at the 2011 Prism Awards for Photonics Innovation
• Corning Incorporated and Altechna R&D (Workshop of Photonics) have entered into a joint development agreement to develop new laser glass processing technologies. This strategic partnership with the global specialty glass production leader is recognition of the unique glass processing laser technology developed by Workshop of Photonics

Overview of computer, electronic and optic industry