Innovation Europe > News > Innovation EU Vol1-1 > Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology – the engineering of structures and materials at the nanometre scale – is a technology that is coming of age. Already, a wide variety of products are available that use nanostructures, from additives used in self-cleaning paints and sprays, to antibacterial coatings for kitchenware and household products, and the sensors and organic displays used in mobile phones and other electronic devices. The technology might be small, but the potential for Europe is huge.

This potential will not be realised without carefully targeted public support for research and innovation, however. In addition, nanotechnology raises important regulatory, ethical and social issues. EU activities on both fronts are undertaken in the context of the European Action Plan for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (“N&N”), developed in 2004. This set out the principle of an “integrated, safe and responsible” approach which is now at the heart of the EU’s nanotechnology policy. Global expenditure in N&N, both public and private, in the period 2004- 06 was around €24bn. Europe accounted for more than a quarter of this worldwide total, with the European Commission funding directly accounting for 5-6%.

Research, innovation and infrastructure

Not surprisingly for such a high-tech field, one of the core areas in the Action Plan is research. Nanotechnology is inherently interdisciplinary and calls for collaboration between scientists from a wide range of disciplines, and both public and private organisations. Under the Sixth Research Framework Programme (FP6, 2002-2006) funding of almost €1.4bn was provided to more than 550 N&N projects. Over its lifetime, FP6 accounted for almost a third of total public expenditure on nanosciences and nanotechnologies in Europe. This support is being continued under FP7 and has increased even further. As well as technological research, increased attention is being given to health, safety and environmental aspects of nanotechnologies, and to promoting debate and measures for good governance.

Like all research, nanotechnology requires a favourable environment for innovation. Hence, alongside factors common to all research and development, particular attention is paid to factors specific to innovation in N&N: namely, patenting of fundamental knowledge, regulation, and metrology. Education and training schemes support the mobility of researchers across borders and disciplines and between academia and industry. And the EU is also investing in world-class research infrastructure and “poles of excellence” to ensure Europe remains competitive in nanotechnology.

Societal issues and risk assessment

Nanotechnology is likely to change our lives in many ways. It is important that the technology is developed in a responsible way – one that responds to the needs and concerns of Europeans. An open debate involving the public is indispensable. Interested people must be enabled to reach their own informed and independent judgements. This will allow a shared analysis of benefits and risks (both real and perceived) and their implications for society. Ethical issues related to nanotechnology have to be identified and taken into account. Research projects, such as Nanologue, NanoDialogue and NanoBio-RAISE, have promoted public dialogue, while policy forums such as the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) have shared the views of experts.

The risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials has become the focus of increasing attention. Various approaches, both regulatory and non-regulatory, are being pursued. Firstly, current legislative frameworks are being examined to determine whether they offer sufficient protection, or whether modifications or new legislation are needed. Secondly, efforts are being made to improve the knowledge base, through research, scientific committees, information sharing and cooperation, including at international level. Thirdly, the public is involved through stakeholder dialogues and voluntary initiatives.

A major legislative review, undertaken by the Commission, concluded that, in principle,current regulation addresses concerns about health and environmental impacts. However, regulatory changes may be proposed on the basis of scientific developments or regulatory needs in specific areas.

Europe: a global partner

International co-operation is essential for the development of nanotechnology, where scientific and technical challenges are huge and a wider critical mass is beneficial. The EU co-operates both with countries that are economically and industrially advanced (to share knowledge and profit from critical mass) and with those less advanced (to secure their access to knowledge and avoid a “nano divide”).

Europe has also taken the lead in promoting an international dialogue on the responsible development and use of nanotechnology. Proposals tabled by the EU for a “code of good conduct” have not received unanimous support worldwide. Nevertheless, the Commission has adopted the code, on a voluntary basis, for research undertaken within Europe.

Mike Sharpe