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This page is directly accessible at the following address: www.oecd.org/sti/nano
Nanotechnology is the set of technologies that enables the manipulation, study or exploitation of very small (typically less than 100 nanometres) structures and systems. Nanotechnology contributes to novel materials, devices and products that have qualitatively different properties. Like information technology, nanotechnology advances have the potential to affect virtually every area of economic activity and aspect of daily life. The number of products and the diversity of nanomaterials and nanosystems are predicted to increase rapidly in the coming decade as a result of continuous innovation in many sectors.
Nanotechnologies pose new opportunities and challenges to governments. Nanotechnologies are likely to offer a wide range of benefits, including in helping address a range of societal and environmental challenges, e.g. in providing renewable energy and clean water, and in improving health and longevity, as well as the environment. However, unlocking this potential will require a responsible and co-coordinated approach to ensure that potential challenges are being addressed at the same time as the technology is developing.
OECD is playing its part in this process and developing a large body of work. Under the Committee on Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP) a Working Party on Nanotechnology was established in March 2007. The objective of this Working Party is to promote international co-operation that facilitates research, development, and responsible commercialisation of nanotechnology in member countries and in non-member economies.
A work programme is currently being launched to start addressing some of the main policy challenges. This programme will include work on statistics and indicators of nanotechnology; examination of the business environment for nanotechnology; work to foster international collaboration in nanotechnology research; work on public perceptions towards nanotechnology and the engagement of stakeholder communities in the debate on nanotechnology; as well as a dialogue on policy strategies to spread good policy practices towards the responsible development of nanotechnology. Click here for an update on the Working Party's activities as of early 2008.
The work of the Working Party on Nanotechnology complements other activities underway in OECD. The OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials was established in September 2006 and is looking at international co-operation in health and environmental safety related aspects of manufactured nanomaterials.
In essence, by working together, member countries will better understand the potential challenges and opportunities related to nanotechnology so that they can support the responsible development of this technology.
Last update: 12 February 2008
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