Direct URL to this site: 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. Its advances have the potential to affect virtually every area of economic activity and aspect of daily life.

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.

The OECD Working Party on Nanotechnology (WPN) was established in March 2007 to advise upon emerging policy issues of science, technology and innovation related to the responsible development of nanotechnology. It is a subsidiary group of, and receives its mandate from, the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP).

The WPN works co-operatively with other OECD groups, including the Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN, subsidiary to the Chemicals Committee); the Working Party on Biotechnology (WPB); the group of National Experts for Scientific and Technological Indicators (NESTI) and their parent committees.

New!

International Symposium on Assessing the Economic Impact of Nanotechnology 27-28 March 2012, Washington DC

The WPN meets three times in a 2 year cycle. Its most recent meeting took place in Paris on 31 March - 1 April 2011.