GLASGOW, UK - The observatoryNANO consortium has been established to help European decision makers in government, industry and finance gain objective information for their decisions when considering a rapidly changing field of technology such as nanoscience and nanotechnology. It will collate and analyze data regarding scientific and technological (ST) trends (including peer-reviewed publications, patents, roadmaps and published company data) and economic realities and expectations (including market analysis and economic performance and public and private funding strategies). The ST and economic analysis will be supported by assessment of ethical and societal issues, impacts on health, environment and safety, as well as regulation, standardization and legislative issues. Although much of this work will be performed within the consortium, observatoryNANO has established liaisons with international organizations and will establish liaisons with relevant European technology platforms and other relevant EU-funded projects, to ensure that effort is not duplicated and that resource sharing and output are maximized. The purpose of this integrated approach is to develop validated methodologies that yield accurate indicators of the socio-economic impact of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
 
For additional information, visit www.observatory-nano.eu/.