2022 should have been a year in which we would have expected a maturing of several technologies and mass adoption, especially wireless connectivity which has been undergoing a rapid evolution offering improved integration with devices beyond lighting and advancements in reporting, control and data gathering. A perfect storm of external influences have however impacted research and development throughout the lighting sector requiring a rapid rethink and diversion of resources. Covid, component shortages especially with microchips used in DALI devices, Brexit and general supply chain and staff shortages are impacting all businesses across every sector and in the lighting industry much of the research and development resource has been diverted to redesign existing products to use alternative components to ensure continuity of supply. Whilst there is no need for concern about supply and general availability, it appears that the current state of global material and component markets is likely to set the lighting industry back at least 6-12 months of advancement.
It also appears likely that renewed focus on the environment and the need to decarbonise the economy following COP26 will also affect the trajectory of product development with government investment and incentives focused towards achieving net zero. Whilst reducing energy consumption has long been a focus of the lighting industry, this will inevitably extend to include the lifetime carbon footprint of products with more emphasis on longevity, serviceability and the ease with which products can be recycled at end of life.
Flexibility will be key in the lighting sector over the coming twelve months to overcome the temporary hurdles caused by the relatively short term pandemic, and to meet the long term need to build a sustainable industry that meets the needs of a net zero carbon economy.
