Alongside surveying industry, the European NanoBusiness Association was also giving evidence to the European Parliament this week at a hearing co organized by the European Peoples Party-European Democrats grouping and the Institute of Physics and chaired by Giles Chichester MEP. While the attendees were perhaps impressed by some of the science, there is one question that always tends to be left until last. When will this enabling technology have an economic effect?
Certainly from a business viewpoint, if nanotechnology enables us to improve margins, or increase market share then it ceases to be a collection of interesting bits of science, and becomes a tool that business can use. The survey results indicate that we are reaching that point, although there is still confusion among both the public and the media.
Meanwhile Cientifica is presenting to the boards of our blue chip clients on a weekly basis and keeping them up to date and up to speed. While Europe may not be as vocal as the US over nanotechnology, still waters are already running very deep.