Commission Communication on Nanosciences and nanotechnologies: An action plan for Europe 2005-2009 (link)

Brussels, 08 Jun 2005

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Nanosciences and nanotechnologies:
An action plan for Europe 2005-2009
Full Text

BACKGROUND

Nanosciences and nanotechnologies (N&N) are new approaches to research and development (R&D) that concern the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, where properties differ significantly from those at a larger scale.

Advances across a wide range of sectors are being enabled through R&D and innovation in N&N. These advances can address the needs of citizens and contribute to the Union's competitiveness and sustainable development objectives and many of its policies including public health, employment and occupational safety and health, information society, energy, transport, security and space.

Products based on N&N are already in use and analysts expect markets to grow by hundreds of billions of euros during this decade. Europe must avoid a repeat of the European `paradox' witnessed for other technologies and transform its world-class R&D in N&N into useful wealth-generating products in line with the actions for growth and jobs, as outlined in the `Lisbon Strategy' of the Union1.

Health, safety and environmental risks that may be associated with products and applications of N&N need to be addressed upfront and throughout their life cycle.

A better dialogue between researchers, public and private decision-makers, other stakeholders, and the public is beneficial for understanding possible concerns and tackling them from the standpoints of science and of governance, and to promote informed judgement and engagement.

On 12 May 2004 the Commission adopted the Communication Towards a European Strategy for Nanotechnology2 in which a safe, integrated and responsible strategy was proposed. This aims to reinforce the Union's leading position in N&N R&D and innovation while addressing any environmental, health, safety and societal concerns upfront. In this context, several needs were highlighted:

­ increase investment and coordination of R&D to reinforce scientific excellence, interdisciplinarity and competition in N&N together with industrial exploitation;

­ develop world-class competitive R&D infrastructure (`poles of excellence') that take into account the needs of both industry and R&D organisations;

­ promote the interdisciplinary education and training of R&D personnel together with a stronger entrepreneurial mindset;

­ provide favourable conditions for industrial innovation to ensure that R&D is translated into affordable and safe wealth-generating products and processes;

­ respect ethical principles, integrate societal considerations into the R&D process at an early stage and encourage a dialogue with citizens;

Brussels, 7.6.2005 COM(2005) 243 final Previous Item Back to Titles Print Item