Europe Aims for Nanotechnology Development Edge
November 21, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS
As part of its commitment to nanotechnology research, the European Commission (EC) is sending representatives to the High-Level Conference on Nanotechnologies, to be held in Braga, Portugal from Nov. 21-23, and attended by top policy makers, scientists and industrialists interested in nanotechnology research in Europe.
The EC is currently the single largest investor in nanotechnology research and has recently completed a public consultation on the principles for responsible nanotechnology research.
The EC is also looking to the European Union (EU) Competitiveness Council to approve four joint technology initiatives, public-private partnerships to boost industrial research. Of these, two initiatives - nanoelectronics (ENIAC) and embedded systems (ARTEMIS) - will be very important for the development of Europe's nanotechnology industry.
"These new public-private research partnerships are a real opportunity for Europe to take a vital step forward in the development of this exciting area of research, which is so important to our digital future," said Viviane Reding, EC commissioner for information society and media. "These technologies underpin so many applications, from fridges to airplanes that their importance will only continue to grow in the future. That's why Europe crucially needs to remain strong in these areas for our future prosperity."
"Nanosciences and nanotechnologies have the potential to drive growth and jobs in Europe, so it is our duty to make sure that they are developed in a positive, responsible way. The possible applications of nanotechnology are huge and they have an important role to play in our future economic well-being and quality of life. So it is of the utmost importance that we get it right when it comes to their governance," said Janez Potočnik, EC commissioner for science and research.
"This is why we will be issuing a recommendation on Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Research, to promote safe and ethical research on nanotechnology and to pave the way for its effective and responsible application and use," Potočnik concluded.
Both commissioners will attend the conference, which will discuss a wide range of issues relating to nanotechnologies, including industry's perspective, various applications (such as electronics, medicine and manufacturing) and the latest scientific advances.
The EU is also looking to international partnerships in nanotechnology. For example, a joint EU-India nanotechnology research fund was announced earlier this month, with €10 million to allow the best institutions in India and the EU to work together in this field.
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Source: European Commission.