Nanotechnology and U.S. Competitiveness: Issues and Options

Abstract

The projected economic and societal benefits of nanotechnology have propelled global investments by nations and companies. The United States launched the first national nanotechnology initiative in 2000. Since then, more than 60 nations have launched similar initiatives. In 2006, global public investment in nanotechnology was estimated to be $6.4 billion, with an additional $6.0 billion provided by the private sector. More than 600 nanotechnology products are now in the market, generally offering incremental improvements over existing products. However, proponents maintain that nanotechnology research and development currently underway could offer revolutionary applications with significant implications for the U.S. economy, national and homeland security, and societal well-being. These investments, coupled with nanotechnology's potential implications, have raised interest and concerns about the U.S. competitive position.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 15, 2008
Accession Number
ADA483318

Entities

People

  • John F. Sargent

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Employment
  • Environment
  • Environmental Protection
  • Environmental Restoration And Remediation
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Intellectual Property
  • Law
  • Nanotechnology
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Public Policy
  • Students
  • United States

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology