Goal One Objectives

Goal 1: Advance a world-class nanotechnology research and development program.

As detailed in the NNI's Stragegic Plan, the objectives for this goal are as follows:

1.1 Continue to support R&D at the frontiers and intersections of scientific disciplines in the form of intramural and extramural programs targeting single investigators, multi-investigator and multidisciplinary research teams, and centers for focused research.

• The broad NNI R&D portfolio invests at the frontiers and intersections of many disciplines, including biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, geology, materials science, medicine, physics, and social sciences. Activities targeted toward this goal include support for fundamental research, use-inspired research, applications research, and technology development. The research efforts of the NNI agencies continue to be executed through a balanced mix of funding ranging from single-investigator grants to research centers and user facilities, each of which plays a unique and vital role in the discovery and innovation process.

1.2     Develop at least five broad interdisciplinary nanotechnology initiatives that are each supported by three or more NNI member agencies and support significant national priorities.

• No single agency within the Federal Government has the mission or breadth of expertise to fully exploit the opportunities presented by nanotechnology, nor to execute all the requisite research. Thus, in certain key areas, it is essential to coordinate particular NNI R&D programs across multiple agencies. NNI member agencies will identify topical areas that can most benefit from close and targeted interagency interaction, or nanotechnology signature initiatives. These will be implemented through the broad range of funding mechanisms identified in Objective 1.1 and will be coordinated to foster innovation and accelerate nanotechnology development.

1.3    Identify and support goal-oriented nanoscale science and technology research aimed at national priorities informed by active engagement with academia, industry, and other stakeholders.

• Successful commercialization of nanotechnology (Goal 2) will depend on the scientific quality of research; better understanding of the potential environmental, health, and safety implications of nanotechnology; and cognizance of its relevance and competitiveness in the marketplace. The NNI member agencies will continue to work with academia and across industry sectors to gather input and feedback on Federal research. This continuous engagement will facilitate the effective transition of nanotechnology from discovery to the marketplace. Such engagement could be fostered via means such as matching funds, partnerships, consortia, and planning exercises.

1.4    Develop quantitative measures to assess the performance of the U.S. nanotechnology R&D program relative to that of other major economies, in coordination with broader efforts to develop metrics for innovation.

• Nanotechnology is a worldwide field with significant R&D efforts underway in many countries. In order to maintain U.S. leadership, it is critical to develop clearly defined metrics to measure the U.S. R&D program against those of other major economies. Efforts to measure innovation are already underway in other areas, and the NNI will leverage that existing work.