The Impacts of Nanotechnology on Companies: Policy Insights from Case Studies

What are the potential economic impacts of nanotechnology, how are companies using nanotechnology for innovation, and what are the key challenges in its commercialisation? These are some of the issues that this book addresses, based on a large number of company case studies in several countries.


Nanotechnology has its origin in the converging abilities of physics, chemistry and materials science. Its purpose is the manipulation of atoms and molecules in order to create new properties of materials and systems for a wide variety of applications in a very broad range of sectors. Nanotechnology is forecast to create large markets and many new jobs and may be the springboard for industrial renewal and long-term growth. Governments around the world have targeted this emerging technology in their R&D investments and are strategising about the best ways to promote the responsible development and use of nanotechnology given the absence of any in-depth analysis of its commercialisation.

Table of contents
Executive summary
Chapter 1. Introduction: The definitions, development and possible economic impacts of nanotechnology
Background
Definitions of nanotechnology
The origin and development of nanotechnology
Possible economic impacts of nanotechnology
Objectives and structure of the report
References
Chapter 2. Insights from previous studies on nanotechnology developments and commercialisation
Key issues addressed in previous studies
Sources of nanotechnology innovation
Impact of nanotechnology on company activities
Facilitating factors and barriers in business environment
Summary
Chapter 3. Insights from the case studies on the impacts of nanotechnology on companies
Methodology and limitations of the case studies
Company characteristics
Nanotechnology entry, activities and drivers
Challenges for the commercialisation of nanotechnology
Summary
Notes
References
Annex 3.A. List of interviewed companies
Chapter 4. Main findings, policy issues and implications
A summary of main findings drawing on previous studies
Policy issues and implications