The National Nanotechnology Initiative: Overview, Reauthorization, and Appropriations Issues
Abstract
Nanotechnology-a term encompassing the science, engineering, and applications of submicron materials-involves the harnessing of unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoscale substances in fundamentally new and useful ways. The economic and societal promise of nanotechnology has led to substantial and sustained investments by governments and companies around the world. In 2000, the United States launched the world's first national nanotechnology program. From FY2001 through FY2010, the federal government invested approximately $12.4 billion in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology through the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). U.S. companies and state governments have invested billions more. President Obama has requested an additional $1.8 billion in NNI funding for FY2011. As a result of this focus and these investments, the United States has, in the view of many experts, emerged as a global leader in nanotechnology. However, the competition for global leadership in nanotechnology is intensifying as countries and companies around the world increase their investments. Nanotechnology's complexity and intricacies, early stage of development (with commercial payoff possibly years away for many potential applications), and broad scope of potential applications engender a wide range of public policy issues. Maintaining U.S. technological and commercial leadership in nanotechnology poses a variety of technical and policy challenges, including development of technologies that will enable commercial scale manufacturing of nanotechnology materials and products; environmental, health, and safety (EHS) concerns; and maintenance of public confidence in its safety.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 13, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA524114
Entities
People
- John F. Sargent
Organizations
- Library of Congress