A crucial task of Optics Netherlands is to know what is going on in the field of optics worldwide and who is working in the technology and its applications. This opens up possibilities for cooperation in research, development, procurement and education, and for a joint efforts on lobbying and outreach. We are in contact with more than 300 organisations in the Netherlands, with the most relevant European countries active in optics (Germany, France, UK) as well as organisations in North America and Asia. This includes companies, research institutes and universities, clusters and government representatives.