EC releases interim report on Europe's Nanotechnology Action Plan 11/09/2007
European Commission
The European Commission (EC) has released a report summarising the actions taken and progress made during 2005-2007 in the Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Action Plan for Europe (456 KB download).
The EC plays two main roles in the development of Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (N & N); as a policy maker and as a funding body for research and innovation. The "integrated, safe and responsible approach" proposed by the EC in 2004, and agreed by stakeholders, forms the basis of EU nanotechnology policy.The report recognised that over the past two years, N & N benefited from considerable financial support in the EU, complemented by increased co-ordination and coherence in relevant policy areas. EU institutions, Member States, Industry, Researchers and other parties have worked together, sharing information and consulting with one another. In addition, efforts were made to work more closely with international partners in reaction to increased international competition.
The Report also details some of the weaknesses the EC sees as becoming apparent in Europe. In particular, a shortage of private investment in Research and Industrial Innovation, a lack of leading Interdisciplinary Infrastructures and an increasing risk of duplication and fragmentation in research efforts is noted as investment within Member States rises.One of the recommendations of the interim report is that in the coming years activities be consolidated, paying particular attention to the development of interdisciplinary infrastructures, appropriate conditions for the safe and effective use of nanotechnology, and a shared understanding of the responsibility of researchers within an ethical framework. As part of this, the Commission reports their plans to adopt a voluntary Code of Conduct for Responsible N & N Research, and possible future legislative changes.
The Commission intends to submit the next implementation report of the N & N Action Plan by the end of 2009.