Nanotechnology Road Map

Press release:

INTERNATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION LAYS OUT EIGHT-POINT “ROADMAP” TO CAPTURE SOCIETAL BENEFITS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 

San Francisco. October 31, 2006- The International Association of Nanotechnology publicly proposed a comprehensive “roadmap” to nanotechnology development in the 21^st Century at the3^rd Annual International Congress of Nanotechnology convened at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel from October 30 – November 2, 2006. 

Lloyd L. Tran, President of the Sacramento-based International Association of Nanotechnology -- a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster scientific research and business collaboration for benefits of society - laid out a detailed eight-point plan and roadmap for beneficial applications of nanotechnology at last week’s International Congress of Nanotechnology (ICNT2006). 

Tran emphasized a practical roadmap would identify the best route for nanotechnology applications; the ability to identify and avoid obstacles and optimize resources; collaborate with partners; maximize return on investment and communicate with stakeholders. 

The Association’s proposed roadmap incorporated an eight point strategic “framework” including the following: 

1. Foster advanced scientific research & business collaboration worldwide
2. Focus on beneficial applications & commercialization of nanotechnology
3. Develop international nomenclature and standards
4. Build a well-prepared nanotechnology workforce
5. Nurture & provide capital investment  in promising technologies & companies
6. Ensure safety & quality assurance of nano-manufacturing processes and products
7. Study and inform about societal, ethical, environmental & safety aspects
8. Outreach to stake-holders  and upstream public engagement

The International Association of Nanotechnology also cited a series of economic factors including the fact that small technology-based entrepreneurial companies are a major source of innovation.  It was noted that investors often shy away from applications with lengthy time periods between research and development and market penetration.  The need for public/private funding was identified to support business incubator facilities and seed capital to nurture promising technologies and start-up companies in the emerging industry.

For more information, please contact Director of Public Relations: info@ianano.org