Nanotechnology is the growing industry built around the ability
to control materials on the nano scale. One nanometer is one
billionth of a metre, around 80,000 times smaller than the width of
a human hair. Many expect it to bring great advances in medicine,
electronics and the IT sectors. But like many new technologies,
nanotech is threatened by hype.
The Commission adopted a Communication setting out a European
Strategy for Nanotechnology in May last year, with an open
consultation following shortly after. As a result of this it has
now published an action plan, proposing measures to be taken at
national and European level to strengthen research into
nanotechnology and develop useful products and services.
The proposals include an unspecified boost in funding for
nanotech and promises to address any public health, safety and
environmental risks. It also talks of a patent monitoring system
for nanotechnologies and nanosciences, possibly operated by the
European Patent Office (
EPO
).
The Commission also suggests harmonising the patent application
processes of the
EPO
, the
US
and Japan in
relation to nanotechnologies and nanosciences. It says that, at
present, the processing of nanotech and nanoscience patent
applications is slower in Europe than in other world regions. There
is no further detail on the point.
