Nanotechnology is the growing industry built around the ability to control materials on the nano scale. One nanometer is one billionth of a metre, around 80,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. Many expect it to bring great advances in medicine, electronics and the IT sectors. But like many new technologies, nanotech is threatened by hype.
The Commission adopted a Communication setting out a European Strategy for Nanotechnology in May last year, with an open consultation following shortly after. As a result of this it has now published an action plan, proposing measures to be taken at national and European level to strengthen research into nanotechnology and develop useful products and services.
The proposals include an unspecified boost in funding for nanotech and promises to address any public health, safety and environmental risks. It also talks of a patent monitoring system for nanotechnologies and nanosciences, possibly operated by the European Patent Office (EPO).
The Commission also suggests harmonising the patent application processes of the EPO, the US and Japan in relation to nanotechnologies and nanosciences. It says that, at present, the processing of nanotech and nanoscience patent applications is slower in Europe than in other world regions. There is no further detail on the point.
