Industry Collaborations

Federal-Industrial Partnerships

In key industry sectors the NNI has established industry partnerships called Consultative Boards for Advancing Nanotechnology (CBANs). These liaison groups are an important mechanism of interaction and help to establish a connection between the NNI and industry groups. Current CBANs include:

NNI–Electronics Industry, led by the Semiconductor Research Institute (SRC). This CBAN takes part in collaborative activities in key R&D areas, produces joint actions and reports, and has an NSF-SRC joint funding agreement.
NNI–Chemical Industry, led by the Council for Chemical Research (CCR). This group created a joint roadmap for nanomaterials R&D and has two working groups, one of which is specifically focused on environmental health and safety (EHS).
NNI–Industry and and Business Organizations, led by the Industrial Research Institute (IRI), an affiliation of industrial and service companies with a common interest in effective management of technological innovation. This CBAN participates in joint activities related to R&D technology management and information exchange.
NNI–Forestry and Paper Products Industry, led by the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA). This group has developed a roadmap for and maintains a focus on nanotechnology in the forestry products industry.

NILI Working Group

One of the primary drivers behind NNI collaborations with industry is the Nanomanufacturing, Industry Liaison, & Innovation (NILI) Working Group. It coordinates many activities to promote U.S. leadership in creating products and manufacturing processes at the nanoscale.

NILI creates mechanisms to facilitate nanotechnology innovation and to improve technology transfer to industry. The working group promotes the exchange of information among Federal agencies, academia, and state, regional, and local organizations. Within the Federal Government, this effort includes interagency cooperation in the areas of standards, nomenclature, nanomanufacturing research and use of programs that encourage innovation in small business. Industry liaison groups—partnerships between the NNI and industry sectors—are a key tool in this undertaking.

Mechanisms for Interaction with Industry and States

The NILI Working Group compiled data on Mechanisms for Collaborations with Industry. This database is organized by agency, and details the programs and activities that each agency offers to support nanotechnology development, technology transfer, and the advancement of nanomanufacturing.