Regional, State, and Local Initiatives in Nanotechnology: Report of the National Nanotechnology Initiative Workshop, Held in Washington, DC on 30 September-1 October 2003

摘要

Nanotechnology is poised to become a critical driver of economic growth and development for the early 21st century. Cities, states, and entire regions have quickly recognized the potential and have begun to take steps to create nanotechnology clusters- concentrations of interrelated businesses based upon a common manufacturing process, set of customers, or both. Given the tremendous investments being made at the local, state, and Federal level, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO), on behalf of the other member agencies of the Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee, convened the Workshop on Regional, State, and Local Initiatives in Nanotechnology. The primary aims of the workshop were to enhance the effectiveness of the efforts already underway and to collect resources and experiential perspectives for those considering the launch of similar initiatives. From the Federal Government perspective, the workshop also was convened as a forum to provide information about Federal programs relevant to such initiatives and to assist the Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee and the NNCO in collecting and disseminating information about regional, state, and local initiatives. The workshop took place on September 30 and October 1, 2003, at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., with representatives from over 20 initiatives participating. Uniformly, participants viewed the workshop as a critical first step for the success of both their individual efforts and those of the Nation. This workshop facilitated coordination across the regional, state, and local initiatives.