Nanotechnology has reached the tipping point, where it has moved from a wide-open research field to the real world, says Scott E. Rickert, chief executive of United States-based Nanofilm, Ltd. He marks the moment of transformation as March 30, 2011, when the NanoBusiness Alliance changed its name to the NanoBusiness Commercialization Association, as a signal of its commitment to a more direct connection between science and commerce. Vince Caprio, executive director of the newly named NanoBusiness Commercialization Association, says, “A decade of intense scientific research [is giving] way to fundamentally new products that will likely change the way we live, work and play. As billions and trillions of dollars of new nano-enabled products enter the marketplace, there will be a growing interest and focus on nanotech innovation and commercialization. The NanoBusiness Commercialization Association will be positioned to be the voice of nanotech innovation and commercialization.” The organization wants to provide a platform to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in this emerging field. It has also refocused its mission, which it defines in the following tenets: Promoting the commercialization of nanotechnology-enabled products; Advocating support for the National Nanotechnology Initiative which moves R&D to commercialization; and, Informing members about environmental health and safety issues and legislation. The article can be viewed online at the link below.
http://www.industryweek.com/articles/business_transforms_what_science_began_24358.aspx?SectionID=35