Nanoscience
and nanotechnology belong to one of the most interesting
growth areas in an international perspective. “Nano” is
an area that is often referred to in the public debate
on research-based growth in Sweden. The reason for
this is that research activities in Sweden are extensive
and growing, but also that nanotechnology applications
are emerging, and patenting and enterprise associated
with nanotechnology as well as industrial applications
are in the early stages.
Swedish research in the field of nanoscience and
nanotechnology holds a prominent place in the international
arena, and the initiatives that have been accomplished
up to now have generated a good return in the form
of research findings, published papers, and the initial
stages of commercialisation. Early, future-oriented
research initiatives in Sweden, such as the so-called
material consortia, have made a valuable contribution
to this development.
In several other countries extensive and wide-range,
long-term and nationally coordinated initiatives
are being implemented in the field of nanotechnology.
With Sweden's knowledge base and tradition in the
field, it seems natural to suggest that Sweden should
also have a national growth strategy and coordinate
activities in the nano field. A better overview of
the possibilities in this area in terms of technology
and knowledge could promote continued development.
IVA is running this project for a period of 12 to
18 months to gather Swedish expertise and players
interested in developing Swedish nanotechnology.
The project's main purpose is to produce informational
materials, formulate a long-term strategy and to
prepare a plan for an innovation system within the
nano field. One important dimension of the project
is an international/European perspective that could
lead to a proposal for the EU's framework programme
for research and technical development, currently
FP6 and the seventh programme, FP7, which is currently
at the planning stage.
Another purpose of the project is to highlight the
social and ethical aspects of nano research.
Source :
http://www.iva.se/templates/Page.aspx?id=1061
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