With revenues of 49 billion € in 2006, and a corresponding growth of 12% compared to 2005, and 250 000 people directly employed the European Photonics industry is one of the most important industry sectors and key enabling technologies for Europe in the 21st century.To withstand growing competition from low labour cost countries there is a need to join forces in industry, research and politics to meet the needs of OP industries and to solve their common problems. In 2005 the European Technology Platform Photonics21 has been established to further shape the European Research Area in Photonics by bringing together all relevant stakeholders and develop a common research strategy for Photonics in Europe.Photonics21 today unites the majority of the leading photonics industries (thereof a significant share of SME) and relevant RandD stakeholders along the whole economic value chain throughout Europe. It comprises more than 900 members from 32 countries including EU Member States (95 %) and associated countries.The proposal "Phorce21" is submitted by the Photonics21 secretariat at the request, with the consent and on behalf of the Photonics21 Executive Board.To this end Phorce21 will significantly shape the Photonics European Research Area by• stimulating community building and cooperation at European and national level• providing a constantly updated common European Strategic Research Agenda in Photonics• fostering the strategic link between Photonics industry and research and improve transparency• increasing the involvement of Central and Eastern European countries in European Photonics research• improving third level educational programmes on European and regional level raising awareness and generating interest of students for Photonics• providing a central information platform to the Photonics community in Europe• making the general public aware of the overall impact of Photonics on European economy and society