-- Nanotechnology � A Revolution in the Making
Vision for R&D in the Next Decade
Interagency Working Group on Nano Science, Engineering and Technology (IWGN)
Dr. M. Roco, IWGN Chair, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Dr. J. Murday, IWGN Exec Sec, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Thomas:
I asked Steve Kurtz to sent me that article on nanotechnology he posted on FW a few days ago. Mindblowing is the word I would use. Below is a few paragraphs that I garnered in following the suggested URL's in the article. As this technology is being compared to equal with the Industrial Revolution, it is a proper discussion for FutureWork. I would suggest that we discuss some of these statements which I have highlighted in Bold from our collective perspectives.
Abstract:
A national initiative, "Nanotechnology for the Twenty-First Century: Leading to a New Industrial Revolution", is recommended as part of the fiscal year 2001 budg et. The initiative will support long-term nanotechnology research and development, which will lead to breakthroughs in information technology, advanced manufacturing, medicine and health, environment and energy, and national security. The impact of nanotechnology on the health, wealth and lives of people will be at least the equivalent to the combined influences of microelectronics, medical imaging, computer-aided engineering and man-made polymers developed in this century. The proposed level of additional annual funding approximately doubles (by $260 M) the current level of effort, incrementally increased over three years. This initiative will focus on fundamental research on novel phenomena, processes and tools; synthesis and processing by design; nanostructured devices, materials and systems that are high risk, broadly enabling and are designed to have major impact; as well as education and training of future nanotechnology workers and rapid knowledge and technology transfer.
International Perspective: The U.S. does not dominate nanotechnology research. There is strong international interest, with nearly twice as much research ongoing overseas as in the United States. Other regions, particularly Japan and Europe, are supporting work that is equal to the quality and breadth of the science done in the U.S. because they have determined that nanotechnology has the potential to be a major economic factor during the next several decades. This situation is unlike the other post-war technological revolutions, where U.S. enjoyed earlier advances. The 1991 Congressional Office of Technology Assessment report, Miniaturization Technologies, states that "the competitive position of U.S. R&D in miniaturization technology remains strong, although competition from Japanese and European industry and governments has increased."
Thomas:
These two ideas struck me strongly. It will affect many fields and the US is only one of many players. This has many implications, first, it will be a paradigm shift in all the areas affected, second, it might seriously challenge the dominance held by the US in information technologies which is largely responsible for America's dominant political, economic and military superiority in the current world picture.
I will be interested in your thoughts.
Respectfully,
Thomas Lunde
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