One of the grand old men of carbon nanotechnologies, Morinobu Endo, has been discussing nanotechnologies and their economic implications.
A couple of linked quotations caught our eye:
Success in nanotechnology is a “matter of life and death” for developed nations, because developing nations are rapidly catching up in the mature technologies that led the 20th century, such as antibiotics and semiconductors.
“Without technological innovations, industries in developed nations will be caught in a price competition with developing nations and will consequently suffer a further hollowing-out.
Oddly enough this same sentiment was echoed by SIA President George Scalise who said We are in a race for global leadership in Information Technology. Other countries have recognized the critical importance and value of leadership in Information Technology and the role of nanoelectronics in achieving leadership.
It is often said that fear and greed are the best motivators, and both seem to be present in equal amounts when it comes to nanotechnology. Of course a major driver of both components is that while we have our stain resistant pants and better golf balls, the hunt is very much still on for the great enabler, the Rosetta Stone and key to the trillion dollar treasure chest.
While most corporations have a pretty good idea what they need nanotechnology for, its the lure of that one killer app, the new internet/steam engine/spinning jenny that keeps governments hooked, counterbalanced of course by the fear that someone else may get there first.
All in all, pretty good news for the research community.