19/05/2010
Nanotechnologies
The speed of innovation and the rapid uptake of new developments in the field of nanosciences and nanotechnologies are improving the quality of life of European citizens as well as helping meet the Lisbon European Council objective for the EU to become the most competitive knowledge-based society by 2010. Advances in nano-scale technologies will develop into mass markets in the coming years, with new products and services capable of enhancing human health, while also conserving resources and protecting the environment.
However focused European-level research and technological innovation is essential to master the properties of matter that can only be understood and controlled at the nano-scale and make possible the assembly of nano-elements that could lead to new functional, mechanical and other characteristics. New attitudes, world-class infrastructures and interdisciplinary skills are essential to underpin the potential nanotechnology revolution.
Overview
New Action Plan for Nanotechnologies - 19/05/2010
An open consultation was launched between 18.12.2009-19.02.2010 to support the preparation of a new action plan for nanotechnologies in Europe for 2010 to 2015. All contributions collected were analysed and used to generate a report you can find here (
4.6MB)
Roadmap and Annex on "Communicating nanotechnology" (
16.4MB) - 07/05/2010
An appropriate social dialogue on nanotechnology needs an open-minded, consistent and even audacious communication aiming to bring everyone in. Good governance depends on it, as the EC had already acknowledged robustly. The DG RTD, Directorate Industrial Technologies, is now firmly set to push this bold principle towards building a broad consensus to support the EC’s policy on integrated, safe and responsible nanotechnology. So appropriate communication comes first, which needs to know whom to reach out, saying what and how, in order to make people feel personally involved and eager to know more. All these issues are analysed, structured and packaged in chapters one to three under a new communication model that relates to citizens’ concerns and needs. Dialogue and engagement are the next, crucial phase. By building on knowledge and awareness of nanotechnology, this Communication Roadmap comes forward with a whole system of organised mechanisms designed to prepare the ground to a very effective feedback and exchange with society.
Policy News : Commission adopts Second Implementation Report on the Nanotechnology Action Plan 2005-2009 - 17/11/2009
The Report outlines key developments during 2007-2009 in each policy area of the Action Plan, identifies current challenges, and draws conclusions relevant to future European nanotechnology policy. Detailed supporting information can be found in the accompanying Staff Working Document.
European Technology Platforms play key role in FP7 preparation - 17/05/2005
European Technology Platforms (ETPs) are playing a key role in the preparations for the EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Some 22 technology platforms have been established to date. The Commission is keen to encourage industrial leadership of these strategic initiatives.
Nanotechnology: Innovation for tomorrow’s world - 06/04/2005
The aim of this brochure is to illustrate to the public what nanotechnology is and thereby to stimulate discussion. By describing the scientific background, technological developments, areas of application, and potential developments of the future, this brochure provides a complex and comprehensive picture of nanotechnology.
Events
EuroNanoForum 2009 – Conclusions - 14/12/2009
EuroNanoForum 2009 took place in Prague, as an event of the Czech Presidency, under the auspices of the Czech Ministry for Education Youth and Sports and with the support of the European Commission. More than 800 delegates from industry and the scientific community worldwide attended the plenary and parallel sessions, while an exhibition featured academic centres, special interest groups and suppliers of materials and equipment. EuroNanoForum 2009 reflected the state of the art in European nanotechnologies and nanosciences. This year's particular focus was on sustainability and environment.
Success stories
Useful links
Websites:
The CORDIS nanotechnology website, which provides an overview of nanotechnology-related activities across the EU programmes, including funding opportunities
The Nanoforum website – a Commission-funded thematic network that offers central access to research programmes, technological developments, funding opportunities and future activities in nanotechnology within the Community.
Literature:
European Industrial Research Issue 3: Setting the nanotechnology research agenda
Nanotechnology – small science with a big potential (PDF)
