Challenges Remain for Effective Growth of Nanotechnology Enabled Products

Abstract

According to conclusions from the recent report by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) the $12B NNI investment in nanotechnology since 2001 has provided a “catalytic and substantial impact.” Yet, with this positive assessment, significant challenges remain in order to stimulate sustainable economic impact and growth through commercialization of nanotechnologies. These challenges include workforce training and education while further balancing key issues of societal impact and worker safety through regulatory oversight. Several issues have recently been cited by industry groups, government organizations, and the PCAST report regarding regulation, workforce training, and effective commercialization of nanoscience breakthroughs that suggest a critical balance must be struck during the second decade of the NNI in order to optimally reap the benefits of federal investments. Also: Understanding the Resistivity-Transparency Tradeoffs for Carbon Nanotube Electrodes on Flexible Substrates; NanoBusiness Alliance Interview with Ajay Malshe; and NIST Wins R&D100 Award for Through-focus Scanning Optical Microscopy