What do Nanotech Execs Need?
The future success of the nanotechnology industry will depend on the ability of firms to move quickly into high-volume manufacturing of nano materials and products. High volume manufacturing will be much more important to industry success than new R&D spending, according to a survey of more than 400 executives involved in nanomanufacturing. The survey was sponsored by Small Times magazine and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Executives are bullish on American nanotechnology capabilities as 67% see the US as the world’s leader in nano R&D. Only 7% believe that this lead is eroding. Executives also believe that government must play a strong role in the industry’s development. In particular, government agencies must effectively address the potential health and environmental risks of nanotechnology, while also investing in critical long-term research projects. At present, nanotech leaders believe that the greatest barriers to industry growth are lack of financing, intellectual property issues, and the shortage of available prototype facilities. Read the article, “Survey Says: Manufacturing, Government Keys to US Success,” in the January/February 2007 issue of Small Times.
