Emerging Nanotechnology Power

The following sections are included:

• PREFACE

• CONTENTS

The following sections are included:

• Background

• Public Investments

• Infrastructure

• R&D and Commercialization

• Nanotechnology Network

• Education and Outreach

• Standardization and Risk Management Efforts

• Conclusion

• References

• Author Biography

• Appendix of Glossary

Nanotechnology research has been growing steadily in Australia in recent years, largely underpinned by the broad support mechanisms that exist in Australia for fundamental research. Current policies suggest that any future expansion in nanotechnology research across Australia will depend upon overall increases in investment for research and development. The indications are, though, that Australia is building a healthy cohort of nanotechnologists, nanotechnology infrastructure, nanotechnology research centres, and nanotechnology companies.

During the last three decades, Micro and Nano Science and Technology has been growing fast as one of the major high-technology fields in China, improving human health, material and energy conservation, and sustainability in the environment. This chapter gives an overview of Micro and Nano Science and Technology in China, including policy and funding strategy from government, the construction of infrastructures and research centers, research highlights and commercialization efforts. As a fast developing country, China is playing more and more important role in international academy events, and its huge market is driving the Research and Development into commercialization gradually, which benefit both citizens and industries.

Hong Kong has made significant investment and contributions in nanoscience and nanotechnology research as part of Government's strategy to foster innovation and benefit local industry. Several innovative nano-enhanced and nano-enabled products had been successfully commercialized as a direct result of collaborations and partnerships between government, research institutes, universities and industries.

An overview of nanoscience and nanotechnology research in India is given, with emphasis on the R&D activities of the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, government of India.

Indonesia, a country with large natural and human resources has to take advantage of nanotechnology for its development. This requires an appropriate strategy with regards to Indonesia's potential and capability in technology advancement. This chapter outlines identified milestones in Indonesia nanotechnology evolution, our proposed strategy and roadmap for nanotechnology development to the Indonesia government and summary of nanotechnology players and recent activities in Indonesia. Researchers who were educated abroad started nanoscience research at public research institutions in early 2000. In 2004, the Mochter Riady Center for Nanotechnology and Bioengineering was established. This private center inspired further formation of nanotechnology policy and R&D efforts in Indonesia. Platform for national nanoscience and nanotechnology development was proposed in 2006 and nanotechnology development roadmap for strengthening the national industry was laid down in 2008. About 43% increase in the number of institutions conducting nanotechnology R&D was observed from 2005 to 2008. In 2009 Nanocenter, which has been budgeted for US$ 20 million, will be initiated during 2009–2010 in Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). These examples indicate how serious Indonesia now in developing and implementing nanotechnology for enhancing its national competitiveness worldwide.

Japan put great emphasis on nanotechnology research and investment is steadily growing since national initiative has been implemented in 2001. Japan is highly competitive in materials science and exploits its features successfully so far. Concerned issues, such as development of human resources, collaboration among various ministries and institutes, human and environmental impact of nanomaterials have carefully been addressed in recent years and these efforts help to further development of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology, a key technology of the 21st century, is the engine of the electronics, information and communications, bioscience, and environmental/energy technologies. It does not only contribute to innovative manufacturing, but also becomes the leading technology on which one can build competitive advantage. This paper provides the overview of Japanese nanotechnology industry and picks up some of the latest topics.

Korea is one of the several leading countries in the world actively developing and commercializing nanotechnologies. Korean government has increased its investment on nanotechnologies ever since its Nanotechnology Initiative was launched in 2001, with astounding accomplishments on every aspect of technologies. Now, Korea is in the 2^nd phase of the Initiative, aiming to join the world top three nations on nanotechnology. The Initiative's vision and road map and the country's current status of nanotechnology development, commercialization and infrastructures will be given in the paper.

Nanotechnology not only enables further technical and scientific advancement of existing technologies, rather creates new technology and imposes drastic impact on industries, economy and society in the coming decades. This means that investment in nanotechnologies is imperative for a developing nation like Malaysia in order to remain competitive and ensure a future growth industry in its own right. The National Nanotechnology Initiatives of Malaysia (NNIM) was officially launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in September 2006 with specific functions, strategies and future plans. The established research areas, research path and business opportunities in various areas of nanotechnology in Malaysia are proposed.

An overview of nanotechnology research in New Zealand is given, with particular emphasis on the work of the MacDiarmid Institute, a multi-university and government laboratory partnership.

Singapore is transforming itself into an innovation-driven economy, competing on knowledge and talent, and in so doing, sets itself out on the path towards sustained economic growth. Nanotechnology is recognized as a key enabler to nurture Singapore's capabilities in new growth areas and deepen its capabilities in existing industries such as electronics, chemicals, engineering and biomedical sciences. Substantial investment has gone into nanotechnology-related R&D and manpower development to reflect this significance of nanotechnology to the Singapore economy. In this chapter, the overall investment climate for new technology development and its commercialization, and key developments in nanotechnology research in Singapore are discussed.

Taiwan government has lent long-term support to strengthen Taiwan's nanotechnology R&D capabilities in response to the socioeconomic needs. To this end, the government initiated the first phase of Taiwan National Nanotechnology Program (NNP) in 2003; the total budget of the program was approximately US$550 million over six years (2003~2008). Today, we have established one industrial common laboratory and nine academic core facilities centers. Acceleration strategies for nanotechnology commercialization are initiated and nanotechnology networking was set up as well. We have also developed talents cultivation program to train seed teachers and to enhance basic scientific knowledge and increase public awareness of nanotechnology. Since 2004, we have set up nanoMark certification system and established certification guidelines for nanoproducts. The nanoMark system aims to systematically manage nanotechnology products in the market and to let more public understanding and confidence in nanotechnology development. The second phase of NNP (2009~2014) has committed from the government, the budget of this six-year program is allocated over US$685 million (estimated in year 2008) from 2009 to 2014. The goals of the 2nd phase NNP are to strengthen the integration of Taiwan's competitive technologies for accelerating the commercialization of nanotechnology. We hope to derive hugely economical gains and induce a large number of private investments until year 2014.

Nanotechnology is billed as the revolutionary manufacturing technology of the 21^st century with immeasurable impact on the global economy and human society. Since the announcement of the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiatives (NNI) in the year 2000, there have been tremendous movements in R&D support in nanotechnology all over the world. The Thai government also recognized the importance of this emerging cross-disciplinary technology. To keep up with the advancements in this field, the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) was established on August 13^th, 2003, as an agency under the umbrella of the autonomous National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). The establishment of NANOTEC signifies the long-term commitment of the Thai government towards achieving excellence in this field. Approved by the Cabinet on June 12^th, 2007, Thailand's first National Nanotechnology Strategic Plan spells out the direction in which the future of nanotechnology development in Thailand till 2013 would proceed in five key strategic areas:

• thrusting nanotechnology towards Thailand's key economic clusters.

• developing and nurturing human resource.

• establishing world-class infrastructure.

• implementing rigorous R&D.

• creating public understanding and appreciation.

To be successful, it is crucial that the plan is supported at all levels, particularly the top level. Chaired by the prime minister, the National Nanotechnology Policy Committee (NNPC) was established in 2005. The current status in terms of R&D activities, human resource development, infrastructure development, technology transfer and business opportunities are described in this report.

An overview of the current status of infrastructure, research and development of nanoscience and nanotechnology in Vietnam is presented. Some results related to the research and development of Carbon Nanotubes and quantum dot materials are given as the illustration.