NANOfutures' integrating role
NANOfutures approach
NANOfutures identifies the key nodes in strategic nano-activities and develop strategies to address nanotechnology challenges with an intersectorial approach. This is achieved by a close interaction between horizontal working groups, which address cross-sectorial horizontal issues, and sectorial group representatives (i.e. ETP representatives).
NANOfutures addresses cross-sector horizontal issues
Working groups are organised under the 3 main topic areas addressed by NANOfutures: "technology", "regulation and standards" and "innovation". Objectives of the horizontal working groups are to present recommendations for strategic actions under each of these three main topics.
Schematic of NANOfutures approach
Strategic Vision
Nowadays, there is a huge amount of information around nanotechnology coming from the active stakeholders and various initiatives. In this complex environment there is a clear lack of an intersectorial view defining the key nodes of strategic nano activities, including the needs of society, policy and environmental issues (what is “Responsible Governance of Nanotechnology”) allowing to optimise and maximize the impact of resources deployed, avoiding duplicated, disconnected and fragmented actions and operating, in general, under a single-reference-responsible capable of communicating with the general public and political institutions and actors at all levels (local, regional, national, European and worldwide).
In order to support European industries successfully profit from nanotechnologies a number of issues needs addressing: Involvement of general public and clear orientation of all undertakings to bring benefit to the community; Fragmentation of research and innovation efforts due to the interdisciplinarity and complexity of nanosciences; The need for a converging approach requiring interactions between life sciences, chemistry, microelectronics and other sectors; The differences between the regions in Europe.
All this calls for a different approach for exploiting these new technologies. There is a need for clear market drivers – examples of high profile industrial problems that can be demonstrably solved by applying nanotechnologies - if nanotechnology is to develop from an enabling technology to an end product. Industrial foresight needs to build on established as well as new companies ready to pursue the potential. Finally, public perception is crucial. A pre-cautionary approach to safety issues and clear communication is needed.
These are all barriers to commercialisation that can only be effectively addressed through an integrated, cross-platform, collaborative approach: the NANOfutures initiative.
