Definition
	Applications and market
	Responsible development
	National policies

Definition
Nanotechnology is a collective term indicating a number of technologies, techniques and processes based on the knowledge deriving from a set of disciplines, grouped under the name of nanosciences, spanning from quantum physics, to supramolecular chemistry, material science, molecular biology. Nanosciences are well consolidated in today world of research and provide the scientific base to Nanotechnology which, on the contrary, is at the beginning of its development.

A universally shared definition for nanotechnology does not yet exist, although those more commonly used are rather similar. According to the Royal Society & The Royal Academy of Engineering:

“Nanoscience is the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, where properties differ significantly from those at a larger scale” and “Nanotechnology is the design, characterisation, production and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at nanometre scale".

Analogously, for the USA National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI):

“Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometres were unique phenomena enable novel applications.... At this level, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ in fundamental and valuable ways from the properties of bulk matter”.

In short, with the term nanotechnology one indicates the capability of observing, measuring, and manipulating matter at atomic and molecular level. One nanometre (nm) is, in fact, one billionth of metre and corresponds roughly to 10 times the size of a hydrogen atom. “Nanoproducts” are materials and devices with at least one functional component having a dimension under 100 nm.

The unprecedented opportunity offered by nanotechnology derives by the fact that nanotechnology represents a radically new way of manufacturing which exploits the peculiar properties of the matter at the nano scale and allows the production of materials, structures and devices with properties and functionalities greatly improved or totally new.

Two ways can be followed to go nano. One is the so called “top down” approach, i.e. reducing the dimensions to nanoscale with physical methods. Techniques commonly used in microelectronics, such as electron beam or X-ray lithography, can be associated to it. These techniques are readily available and in effect nanoelectronics and nanoengineering represent, at the moment, the area of application where nanotechnology is more diffused although, it must be said, that not always the nanometric size is enough to talk of “nanotechnology related products”. According to the restrictive definition given in the NNI, for example, the integrated circuits below 100 nm are not considered to belong to this category.

The other approach is dubbed as “bottom up”. It indicates the controlled assembling of molecules or molecular aggregates, used as building blocks, to produce nanostructures

The bottom up way is the one which can mostly be identified with nanotechnology and its potentialities and it mimics processes that often happen in nature to exploit the properties of the matter at nano scale. The highest expectations are placed on it.

The top down techniques are already quite well established while those associated with bottom up approach are still generally at development/research stage and essentially used at laboratory level.

Application and market
Numerous products linked to nanotechnology are already available on the market (Woodrow Wilson Nanotech Inventory) or close to it. Among them one can cite, for example, nanoparticles for cosmetics or for coatings and paints, technical textiles and clothing, sporting good, but, also, nanocomposites, “hard disks” with nanostructured surface for high density data storage, memory chips below 100 nm, photonic devices, self cleaning coatings, diagnostic systems for medical applications such as “lab-on-chip”. The number is increasing steadily.

On a longer time horizon, probably within the next 3-5 years, are expected, to name a few, new advanced drug delivery systems, medical prostheses with increased resistance and higher biocompatibility, innovative advanced materials for transportation, new and better systems for the production and storage of energy. The possibilities of application are literally endless.

The market related to nanotechnology is still relatively small and not easy to evaluate. It has been estimated that in 2006 it was around 60 US$ billion, but the expectations of growth are huge. According to some forecasts, this market is expected to reach a volume of more than 1000 US$ billion after 2015.

The prediction can look far fetched, but, because its pervasive character, nanotechnology can find application in practically all sectors. According a 2004 study of Lux Research, the areas that are seen to represent the largest market by 2015 are, in the order:

• Materials
• Electronics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemical processes
• Aerospace
• Health care
• Tools
• Sustainable processes
  

Electronics (European Strategic Research Agenda on Nanoelectronics)has at the moment the lion share, and with material will stay at the top also in the future. Besides its economical relevance, the impact of nanotechnology in pharmaceuticals and health care will be relevant also from the social point of view. The “nanomedicine” promises, in fact, to literally revolutionise the medical practice by providing unprecedented diagnostic tools and new, innovative, methods of treatment, paving the way to a personalised medicine (European Strategic Research Agenda on Nanomedicine).

Similarly important is the positive impact of nanotechnology to pursue a responsible growth. Nanotechnology can be crucial to develop processes more effective and environmental friendly, new systems for energy production and storage, new methods of remediation.

Responsible development
For the success of nanotechnology it is crucial that possible risks and potentially adverse socio-economic implications associated with them are timely assessed and reduced to a minimum. This require, in particular, the definition of a clear and universally accepted terminology, a proactive approach for managing possible risks, the eventual revision of existing legislation, cooperation and coordination among public bodies, industry and research at national and international level. Clear and reliable information and an open dialogue with the public are also essential to gain the people trust and prevent unnecessary prejudices.

The problem is widely acknowledged and in all countries more active in nanotechnology particular attention and relevant resources are devoted to it .

In 7° Framework Program (FP7), the European Commission has placed the assessment of potential risks and societal implication of nanotechnology among the primary topics for projects concerning this field.

National policies
All most important countries are dedicating relevant resources to nanotechnology convinced that these enabling technologies are one of the driving forces leading the future technological growth. Nanotechnology is considered strategic and in many countries, to begin with USA, specific national initiatives devoted to nanotechnology have been activate to strengthen the effort, orient the initiatives, make evident the excellence, optimise to use of the resources available so that nanotechnology is really instrumental for increasing the competitive position of the country.