Nanotechnology: A Policy Primer, John F. Sargent Jr., Specialist in Science and Technology Policy, April 13, 2012
Nanoscale science, engineering, and technologycommonly referred to collectively as nanotechnologyis believed by many to offer extraordinary economic and societal benefits. Congress has demonstrated continuing support for nanotechnology and has directed its attention primarily to three topics that may affect the realization of this hoped for potential: federal research and development (R&D) in nanotechnology; U.S. competitiveness; and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) concerns. This report provides an overview of these topicswhich are discussed in more detail in other CRS reportsand two others: nanomanufacturing and public understanding of and attitudes toward nanotechnology. The development of this emerging field has been fostered by significant and sustained public investments in nanotechnology R&D. Nanotechnology R&D is directed toward the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers. At this size, the properties of matter can differ in fundamental and potentially useful ways from the properties of individual atoms and molecules and of bulk matter. Since the launch of the National Nanotechnology
Initiative (NNI) in 2000 through FY2012, Congress has appropriated approximately $15.6 billion for nanotechnology R&D, including approximately $1.7 billion in FY2012 funding under the
Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. 112-55) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2012 (P.L. 112-74). President Obama has requested $1.8 billion in NNI funding for FY2013. More than 60 nations have established similar programs. In
2010, total global public R&D investments reached an estimated $8.2 billion, complemented by an estimated private sector investment of $9.6 billion.”
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