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National Nanotechnology Initiative at 20 years: enabling new horizons

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Abstract 

A succession of breakthrough discoveries at the nanoscale and the transforming vision formulated in 1999, which inspired the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in the US and other research programs around the world, set in motion a global scientific, technological, and societal endeavor. NNI was announced by President Clinton in January 2000 and formalized as a long-term national initiative by the US Congress in December 2003. Over thirty US research and regulatory agencies participate with a cumulative public R&D investment of about $40 billion by 2023. The initiative aims to establish a general-purpose science and technology field for matter, energy, and life systems, with anticipatory governance of societal implications. The revenues from products where nanotechnology is a condition for competitiveness have been estimated to increase by about 25% annually on average from 2000 to 2020 reaching about $3 trillion worldwide, of which about one-fourth is in the US. This paper presents an overview of research investments and governance of NNI, its outcomes, and lessons learned. The unifying concepts and the convergence of nanoscale science and engineering with modern biology, information, cognition, and artificial intelligence (AI) have opened new horizons in knowledge and technology. Emerging technologies include platforms for quantum information systems, AI systems, advanced semiconductors, wireless communication, modern bioeconomy, and advanced manufacturing. New knowledge and solutions are created to address sustainable society, nanomedicine, cognition, personalized learning, augmenting human capabilities, and independent aging.

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Acknowledgements

This paper is based on the author’s experience in the nanotechnology field, as founding chair of the NSTC/NSET subcommittee coordinating the NNI, as Senior Advisor for Science and Engineering at NSF, and as a result of international activities.

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    Mihail C. Roco

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Roco, M.C. National Nanotechnology Initiative at 20 years: enabling new horizons. J Nanopart Res 25, 197 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-023-05829-9

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