Nanotechnology Conquers Markets. German Innovation Initiative for Nanotechnology

Transcription

1 Nanotechnology Conquers Markets German Innovation Initiative for Nanotechnology

2 Imprint Photo credit, title page: Published by Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung/ Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) Publications and Website Division Berlin Getty Images Photo: Stephen Derr Orders in writing to the publisher Postfach Bonn or by phone: +49 (0) Fax: +49 (0) (0.12 Euro/min.) Internet: Edited by BMBF, Referat 521 VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH, Düsseldorf Authors Volker Rieke, BMBF Dr. Gerd Bachmann, VDI TZ GmbH Layout Suzy Coppens, Köln Printed by Druckhaus Locher GmbH, Köln Bonn, Berlin 2004 Printed on recycled paper

3 Nanotechnology Conquers Markets German Innovation Initiative for Nanotechnology

4 Contents 4-5 Summary 6 Nanotechnology an interdisciplinary opportunity for innovations 6-8 Nanotechnology in research and development 9-12 Products and possible applications Present situation in science, business and politics 15 Players on the nanotechnology scene in Germany 15 Project funding by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) 16 Networks Institutional research establishments 19 Universities and other research establishments Industrial R&D 20 Nanotechnology funding in Germany German activities in comparison to other countries

5 23-25 Germany s innovation initiative for nanotechnology New strategy for funding and support of nanotechnology by the BMBF Exploiting nanotechnology s market and employment potential through R&D Using leading-edge innovations for applications 34 Creating research networks to promote innovation 35 Acquiring, developing and safeguarding the fundamentals of the technical sciences 36 Exploiting the opportunities for european and international cooperation 37 Strengthening the role of SMEs Stabilizing new companies and encouraging established ones to relocate 39 Promoting the young and developing qualifications Fostering young scientists 41 Identifying qualification needs and developing expertise at an early stage 42 Using opportunities for the good of society while avoiding risks Evaluating the social consequences 44 Developing legal guidelines 45 Evaluation 46 Appendix Examples of objectives for the application of nanotechnology by relevant sector

6 4 Summary Summary Often described as the technology of the future, nanotechnology is attracting growing interest worldwide. Its distinguishing feature is that it gives rise to new functionalities solely as a result of the nanoscale dimensions of the system components functionalities that lead to new and improved product properties. Because of this feature, and thanks to continually improving analytical and preparatory capabilities, nanotechnology has matured into a dominant focus of R&D activities in the last two decades. This new discipline will probably not only extend our ability to influence the properties of materials in specific ways, but also help us to better utilize them, and to integrate nanostructures into complex total systems. What s more, it will do so to an extent that could be termed revolutionary. It does not, therefore, represent a basic technology in the classical sense one with clearly defined parameters. Instead, it describes a new interdisciplinary approach that will help us to make further progress in the fields of biotechnology, electronics, optics and new materials. Nanotechnological advances do not serve as replacements for existing applications in these fields their effect is rather to drive them to higher levels of functionality. In our everyday environments, we are surrounded by a broad spectrum of products that have already benefited from breakthroughs in nanotechnology. These include products as diverse as the hard disk drives in our computers, sunscreens with high UV protection factors and dirt-repellent surfaces in our showers. What s more, interdisciplinary perspectives, particularly those spanning a range of industries, are opening up nanotechnology s new potential for innovation potential that could not be formulated in detail until now. This development represents a qualitative leap as far as the application and further commercial use of nanotechnology is concerned. As a result, the time has come to take concrete action and formulate research policy. The race for the inside track as we strive to conquer the nanocosmos is already proceeding at top speed. Today the United States and Japan are investing enormously in this area as are China, Korea and Taiwan. And the efforts of the latter three countries should not be underestimated. However, by establishing nanotechnology as an R&D priority of the EU s Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), which began in 2002, the European Commission has responded to this competitive situation. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) faced up to this challenge early on. Even as far back as 1998, a supporting infrastructure plan was put in place with the establishment of six competence networks. That was in addition to increasing the BMBF s collaborative project funding for this area. And although these measures did not receive the international recognition they warranted, they were implemented two years before the USA began its national initiative and four years before the European Union s comparable measures in the Sixth Framework Programme. That is the reason why Germany is today Europe s leading nation in the field of nanotechnology. To remain successful in the face of increasing globalisation, Germany must concentrate on its business and science know-how and make better use of these assets. An international comparison of the shares of publications and patents from the world s nations shows that Germany s work in the scientific domains of nanotechnology largely remains separated from application and product-orientated areas of R&D. In other words, there is still a lot of catching up to do in the area of industrial implementation. This is where the development of products and systems based on nanotechnological advances and the integration of nanostructures in microscopic and macroscopic environments present an opportunity that must not be missed. In many areas of nanotechnology, Germany is still out in front of many other countries in terms of knowledge. This know-how, together with the production and sales structures needed for implementation and Germany s internationally renowned expertise in the area of systems integration, must be resolutely exploited in the marketplace.

7 5 This is exactly where the German innovation initiative for nanotechnology is taking up the challenge. On the basis of the white paper presented at the nanode congress in 2002 and intensive discussions with representatives from business and science, the BMBF s new approach to nanotechnology funding starting from Germany s highly-developed and globally competitive basic research in sciences and technology primarily aims to open up the application potential of nanotechnology through research collaborations (leading-edge innovations) that strategically target the value-added chain. In addition, the BMBF is working to counteract the danger of a shortage of qualified scientists and technicians through its education policy activities. For many of Germany s important industrial sectors including the automotive business, IT, chemistry, pharmaceuticals and optics the future competitiveness of their products depends on the opening up of the nanocosmos. Moreover, technology and innovation are increasingly becoming the deciding factors in the struggle to remain competitive in the face of the various challenges posed by low-wage countries. In other words, new technological trends such as nanotechnology will almost certainly have a powerful impact on the labour market of the 21st century and thus on ensuring Germany s continuing prosperity. Dawn has already broken on a new era characterized by the dynamic growth of nanotechnology; the challenge ahead is to set the course of future funding and to direct the breakthrough. The current overall strategy defines the framework for the BMBF s new approach to nanotechnology funding in the future. The main elements of this strategy are: + To open up potential markets and boost employment prospects in the field of nanotechnology the green light will initially be given to funding for four leading-edge innovations (NanoMobil / automotive sector; NanoLux / optics industry; NanoforLife / pharmaceuticals, medical technology; and NanoFab / electronics) NanoChance, a new BMBF funding measure for targeted support of R&Dintensive small and medium-sized enterprises, which offers existing companies assistance in the early stage of consolidation, will be established the coordination between institutional BMBF funding here especially with regard to synergy effects with the programmeorientated research of the HGF (Helmholtz Association) Centres and funding for nanosciences through the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) and project support based on structural measures (networking, determining core topics, regular knowledge exchanges) will be optimised. + Measures to support innovation will also be implemented to supplement these main elements. For the funding of young scientists, the Junior Researcher Nanotechnology Competition will be continued. The aim of this competition, which was founded in May 2002, is to recognize new innovative approaches at an early stage and to attract top young scientists who have emigrated abroad back to Germany. In addition, activities in the areas of standardization, patents, and training and further education will be launched. + The dialogue on innovation and technology assessment will be actively pursued in order to give objectivity and thus direction to the partially critical public discussion about the opportunities and risks associated with nanotechnology. What s more, the available results of three commissioned studies on innovation and technology assessment are evaluated in order to develop optional courses of action for the socially acceptable use of nanotechnology.

8 6 Nanotechnology an interdisciplinary opportunity for innovations Nanotechnology an interdisciplinary opportunity for innovations Nanotechnology in research and development Nanotechnology refers to the creation, investigation and application of structures, molecular materials, internal interfaces or surfaces with at least one critical dimension or with manufacturing tolerances of (typically) less than 100 nanometres. The decisive factor is that the very nanoscale of the system components results in new functionalities and properties for improving products or developing new products and applications. These novel effects and possibilities result mainly from the ratio of surface atoms to bulk atoms and from the quantum-mechanical behaviour of the building blocks of matter. Structuring with single atoms Source: Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Universität Kiel A nanometre (nm) equals one millionth of a millimetre. That corresponds roughly to the length of a chain of 5 to 10 atoms. By comparison, the cross-section of a human hair is 50,000 times larger. However, a single atom or molecule does not possess the properties we are familiar with, such as electrical conductivity, magnetism, colour, mechanical hardness or a specific melting point. On the other hand, even materials the size of a dust particle possess all of those physical properties

9 7 History The development of the scanning tunnel microscope (STM) in 1981 represented a milestone in the evolution of nanotechnology by providing the first direct access to the atomic world. In 1986 this achievement was honoured with the Nobel Prize in physics. Today, nanotechnology encompasses far more than the use of microscopes with atomic-scale resolution. Several nanomaterials with valuable innovative properties can already be manufactured on a large scale. Surfaces can be processed with nanoscale precision. And in specific instances, complex structures a few nanometres in size can already be created through self-organisation. As early as the mid-1980s, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) recognised that potential applications of nanotechnology were going to arouse intense discussion in all leading industrial nations, and that a remarkable increase in worldwide research activities would ensue. This insight resulted in sponsored projects starting in the early 1990s. To optimise the organisation of this increasingly complex field of technology, a supporting infrastructure in the form of competence centres was put in place starting in the late 1990s in parallel with the funding of projects. Today, BMBF-sponsored nanotechnology projects alone encompass programmes in nanoelectronics, nanomaterials, optical technologies, microsystems engineering, biotechnology, communications technologies and production systems with a total budget amounting to about 100 million annually and increasing. just as much as a steel object weighing tons. Nanotechnology, then, exists in the transitional range between individual atoms or molecules on the one hand and larger solid objects on the other. Phenomena that are not seen in macroscopic objects occur in this intermediate region. This interrelation of structural size and function makes it difficult to establish exactly what to include in the definition of nanotechnology. The following examples illustrate the new functionalities made available through nanotechnology: + The increasing complexity of information technology creates a need for new nanoelectronic and optoelectronic components with capabilities based in part on quantum-mechanical effects. + Structural sizes on the nanoscale alter the sensory properties of known materials to such an extent that new and more versatile sensors are created. + Ultra-small particles can be used for new applications of paints and coatings. These include different colours due to controlled changes in particle size and endowing transparent coatings with specific functionalities such as dirt-repellent seals or UV protection. + Minimal admixtures of nanomaterials produce substantial changes in solids. Plastic films, for instance, gain in tear strength, while ceramic materials become virtually unbreakable. + The chemical reactivity and the useful life of catalysts can be substantially increased by means of making appropriate changes to the structure and composition of their surface. Such property changes are largely the result of a new approach in the utilisation of dimension, form and composition to achieve new functional principles of a physical, chemical and biological nature. Due to this trend towards integration, nanotechnology has evolved mainly along three routes that converge on the nanolevel. + In recent decades, physico-technical methods have been the principal driver behind the generation of increasingly complex circuits and consequently smaller structures (top-down endeavours) in microelectronics. We can find off-the-shelf processors with ever faster clock speeds as well as memory components and disk drives with larger and larger capacities. Typical sizes of chip structures already reach below the 100-nm limit.

10 8 + Insights from coordination chemistry and supramolecular chemistry have led to the deliberate creation of high-molecular, functional chemical compounds with enormous potential for applications in catalysis, membrane technology, sensing systems and thin-film technology (bottom-up endeavours). + Very recently, our understanding of biological processes has been substantially expanded at both the cellular and molecular levels. This new knowledge includes many processes such as the information flow from the gene to the protein, the selforganisation of molecules and photosynthesis whose functionality and complexity has so far remained unattainable by technological means. In the future, the focus will be on applying the underlying biological principles more and more to technical systems. At the same time, biotechnology provides an ever larger toolbox of methods useful in designing customised, functional molecules that bring us within reaching distance of biologicaltechnical hybrid systems for such applications as implants, neurochips or artificial retinas. Most importantly, the methods of one discipline can be usefully complemented by processes and scientific insights from other fields. In examining nanoscale objects or in making specific structural changes, scientists generally use physical methods. The production of nanoscale particles, on the other hand, occurs primarily within the realm of chemistry. Nanoobjects such as structural proteins, enzymes and viruses, however, are created by self-organisation according to the laws of nature, and a large proportion of the basic processes, such as cellular energy generation processes (such as the respiratory chain or photosynthesis), occur on the nanoscale, i.e. at the molecular level. Bridging the gap between the macro, micro and nanoworlds is the task of system integration techniques. The required systems technologies include design and simulation tools and methods, assembly and joining technology, test methods, and appropriate production processes. Important demands on the assembly and joining technologies at the micro-nano interface include the realisation of the necessary mechanical, electromechanical or biochemical connections as well as the use of microsystems technology in the positioning and wiring of nanocomponents. General tendencies in the developement of nanotechnology Source: VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH

11 9 Products and possible applications Nanotechnology is increasingly contributing to the production of R&D-intensive products in the most diverse sectors of business. In many cases, successful product development is driven by the demand for extreme reductions in weight, volume, raw-materials utilisation and energy consumption, and by the need for speed. Nanotechnology is exceptional in that it often meets many of these criteria simultaneously. As a result, a boom of innovations is expected in virtually all high-technology industries, for example in information and communications technology, in automotive, power and production engineering, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and in medicine and biotechnology. The following are some examples of common products that are already benefiting from advances in nanotechnology and remain promising candidates for large markets. + Every day we use computers, MP3 players, CD/DVD systems or mobile phones containing microchips, hard disks, RAM memory, diode lasers, displays, rechargeable batteries or new ceramic materials that have been optimised by the results of nanotechnology. + LEDs in indicator panels, tail lights and flashlights convert electrical energy into light much more efficiently than incandescent bulbs while generating less heat. + Nanometre-sized oxide particles endow sunscreen products with a high protection factor and are dermatologically safe. Such UV-absorbing nanoparticles are also used in some sunscreen fabrics, paints and lacquers, and in UV-reflecting films with potential new agricultural uses. + Nanoparticles in protective coatings for household appliances, spectacle lenses, glazing materials for sanitary applications or in exterior house paints prevent scratches, tarnishing, smudging or algal growth. + Chemical nanotechnology prevents fading of auto paints and protects them against scratches due to road dust. + The daily vitamin pill would be ineffectual but for its nanoparticulate composition, which determines its solubility in water and thereby its availability to the human body. + The admixture of natural nanoparticulate materials improves the absorbency of nappies and increases the tear strength as well as the airtightness of plastic wrap. These examples show that the current focus of R&D activities in the high-technology countries tends to be on improving products in already established applications in order to make them more competitive. To a large extent, the production of typical nanoproducts must still await the completion of basic research, and that is projected to require several years, and in some cases decades. Society will then be able to enjoy the prospects of increased environmental compatibility of lifestyle and mobility, drastically improved communications and information as well as optimised healthcare. Nanotechnology can contribute to better quality of care at less cost in an aging society through improved and more economical diagnostic and treatment methods, including nanostructured biochips, nanoprobes, intelligent depot medications for sustained release, microsystems to complement organic functions, and artificial substrate materials for tissue implants.

12 10 Even today it is possible to envision examples of future applications in these areas that are likely to benefit substantially from the advances in nanotechnology. + Automotive engineering is pursuing applications to which nanotechnology can make a significant contribution. In this quest, new technical refinements are useful both functionally (minimised fuel consumption, driving safety, long product life) and cosmetically (e.g. switchable paints). The car of the future will respond intelligently both to environmental stimuli and to driver behaviour. Windows and mirrors will adjust to exterior lighting. Tyres will have good traction on the most diverse road surfaces. And multiple sensors will proactively adjust the driving condition to a change in weather or an impending collision. Switchable colour changes in the paint and easier modifications using lightweight designs will allow customised styling. New knowledge in nanotechnology will contribute to optimised combustion and emission control, a reduction in body weight, the development of self-healing paint, wear-resistant tyres with good road grip, and functional window glass. Electronics already contribute a disproportionately large share to the added value in automobile manufacturing. The importance of automotive electronics will continue to grow and, in keeping with the auto industry s role as a technology driver, spur on the development of nanoelectronic innovations into marketable products. + Machine and plant construction contributes to the advancement of nanotechnology applications in two different contexts. On the one hand, this discipline makes new manufacturing and systems technologies available (methods for producing Current status of nanotechnology and some application fields illustrated by examples. The timeline for the introduction into the market is in some cases no more than a kind of educated guessing. Forecasting the fate of developements at the time of their onset is especially risky. Source: VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH

13 11 nanostructures, ultra-precision processing, systems for nanobiotechnology and nanochemistry). On the other, the use of nanostructures in function-determining layers, in measuring instruments and in sensing systems makes it possible to design better machines and plants. As a result, the productivity and reliability of machines and plants is increased, making this traditionally strong German industry and its products even more competitive. + The development of highly efficient or even autonomous power supplies for portable devices is an urgent priority in power engineering. Disposable as well as rechargeable batteries continue to be unsatisfactory with respect to weight and performance. But a combination of economical electrical and electronic components, efficient lighting and display systems, and above all innovative energy storage devices such as small-format fuel cells is expected to provide new solutions. What s more, integrated energy converters based on nanotechnology, such as highly efficient solar cells or innovative materials that directly convert heat into electricity (thermoelectric materials) may provide a replacement for rechargeable batteries in low-power applications. That would give an enormous boost to products such as portable electronics and diagnostic systems (wearable electronics). + In medicine, the focus continues to be on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for managing widespread diseases such as cancer and diabetes. In this field, nanoparticles represent a new platform technology. They can be accumulated in the tumour as a selective contrast medium for medical imaging, or destroy tumour tissues locally by heating them, or, even more importantly, by transporting specifically effective therapeutic agents. In the long term, these particles also appear to point the way to noninvasive methods for early diagnosis. What s more, these techniques will be complemented by diagnostic applications of biochips produced by nanoand microsystems technology. A virtual boom is already under way in the use of these chips in pharmaceutical research and laboratory applications. The expansion of biochip technologies brings us a significant step closer to the distant goal of individualised medicine, in which prompt on-site diagnostics will be complemented by customised medications. The first drug delivery systems for EUVL stepper for the IC fabrication Source: Carl Zeiss SMT AG

14 12 transporting chemotherapeutic agents to the tumour are now close to being approved. of such an electronic assistant would rival that of a present-day computing centre. + In the field of information and communications, the availability of any desired information, any time, anywhere in the world, would be an objective toward which nanotechnologies, and especially nanoelectronics, can make a significant contribution. In the future one should be able to use a device of negligible size (comparable to a wristwatch, say) to access any required information, or to communicate with any desired party. In such devices, the information should not merely appear as a string of characters on a tiny display. Instead, the user should be able to select the preferred presentation from a diversity of processed formats, ranging perhaps from text-to-speech all the way to three-dimensional holographic images. These devices would provide medical on-line diagnostic capability with automatic alerts, and their data storage would have the capacity of a national library. The computing power + In optics too, developments are opening up a wide range of potential future products. Optoelectronic components already play an important part in home entertainment (CD/DVD, laser TV, projection systems, optical interconnects) and will continue to grow in importance, as will lighting technologies based on optoelectronic components, such as largearea light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Due to their long service life and high efficiency, optoelectronic light sources are not only more reliable than conventional light sources; they also consume much less energy and are therefore more cost-efficient. What s more, optical lenses of any desired geometry and manufactured with nanometre precision will be used for highly precise, function-specific conduction and deflection of light in applications such as data equipment and (home) cinema projectors, lithography or medical systems. Nanosystems in our future life Source: Siemens AG OLEDs for displays Artificial hip joints made by biocompatible materials Fuel cells deliver electricity for mobiles and cars Intelligente clothings measure pulse and breathing frequency Scratch resistant window glass cleans itself with a lotus effect Light emitting diodes compete with conventional bulbs Buckytube-frame is lightweight and tough Nanotubes for new notebook-displays

15 Present situation in science, business and politics 13 Present situation in science, business and politics During the course of the past decade, advances in our understanding of quantum effects, boundary properties and surface properties, as well as of the principles of self-organisation, have laid the foundations for innovative analytical and production techniques which have caused an upsurge of interest in nanotechnology and global networking activities along the value-added chain. This interest has been boosted in particular by the early combination of basic research results and application options, and by the resulting expectations regarding potential markets. The players on Germany s nanotechnology scene were among the world s first to address potential applications at an early stage, on the basis of solid and broad-based fundamental research. More than 100 companies in Germany have already recognised these innovation opportunities and are using nanotechnology knowhow in their core business. Today, a total of about 400 to 500 companies in Germany are involved with nanotechnology and are becoming increasingly active in this field as product developers, suppliers or investors. These companies do not view nanotechnological R&D work as a short-lived fashion but are taking a long-term approach in addressing key elements for future innovation in industries with a large job-creation potential, primarily in the automotive and machine-construction industries, in chemicals and pharmaceuticals, in the optical industry, medicine and biotechnology, as well as in power generation and construction. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can be ranked as pure nano businesses have sprung up in Germany. These flexible innovation companies occupy specific niches in the value-added chain and make an important contribution to know-how transfer from research to industry. SMEs consequently serve a key function in most high-technology fields, and establishing innovative start-ups is therefore of enormous importance in the young nanotechnology industry too.

16 14 Source: Flad&Flad Communication GmbH

17 15 Players on the nanotechnology scene in Germany The success of nanotechnology in Germany is based on a large cast of players in business, science and government in other words, on a substantial public and private commitment. Project funding by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to nanotechnology, for instance in the Laser Research and Optoelectronics programmes. Today, many projects related to nanotechnology are supported through a considerable number of specialized programmes. Examples include Materials Innovations for Industry and Society (WING), IT Research 2006, the Optical Technologies Sponsorship Programme and the Biotechnology Framework Programme. From 1998 to 2004, the volume of funded joint projects in Table 1: : Expenditures on nanotechnology within various BMBF core topic areas BMBF nanotechnology funding Core topic areas (in million ) Nanomaterials Nanoanalytics, nanobiotechnology, 19,2 20,3 32,7 38,1 nanostructured materials, nanochemistry, CCN, new nano talent recruting, nano opportunity Production technologies Ultrathin films, ultraprecise 0,2 0,8 2,2 2,2 surfaces Optical technologies Nanooptics, ultraprecision processing, 18,5 25,2 26,0 26,0 microscopy, photonic crystals, molecular electronics, diode lasers, OLEDs Microsystems technology Systems integration, nano-sensors, 7,0 7,0 9,4 10,2 nano-actors, energy systems Communications technologies Quantum structure systems, 4,3 4,0 3,6 3,4 photonic crystals Nanoelectronics EUVL, lithography, 19,9 25,0 44,7 46,2 mask technology, e-biochips, magnetoelectronics, SiGe electronics, Nanobiotechnology Manipulation technologies, functiona- 4,6 5,4 5,0 3,1 lised nanoparticles, biochips, Innovation and technology analyses ITA studies 0,2 0,5 0,2 Total (in million ) 27,6 73,9 88,2 123,8 129,2 Since the late 1980s, the BMBF has been funding nanotechnology research activities in the contexts of its Materials Research and Physical Technologies programmes. Initial core topic areas included the production of nanopowders, the creation of lateral structures on silicon and the development of nanoanalytical methods. BMBF support was later expanded to also include other programmes with relevance nanotechnology has quadrupled to about 120 million. Table 1 lists BMBF expenditures on nanotechnology research in various core topic areas for the fiscal years 1998 and 2002 to In addition to BMBF-funded research, project-related investments are also financed by the Ministry of Economics and Employment (BMWA) in the Physikalisch-Technische

18 16 Bundesanstalt (PTB the national metrology institute) and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), as well as nanotechnology-related projects in the PRO INNO innovation competency programme for SMEs. These projects are funded to the tune of about 25 million annually. Networks BMBF-funded competence centres (CCN) In 1998, the BMBF established six competence centres with an annual funding of approx. 2 million. In Phase 3, starting in the autumn of 2003, nine competence centres have begun or continued their work as nationwide, subject-specific networks with regional clusters in the most important areas of nanotechnology: + Ultrathin functional layers (Dresden) + Nanomaterials: Functionality by chemistry (Saarbrücken) large corporations (12%), small and medium-sized enterprises (31%) as well as financial services, consultants and associations (totalling 5%). The information sharing supported by the competence centres is particularly helpful for small companies to keep them informed about current developments and what such developments mean to them. In the next three years, the centres intend to focus especially on training and continuing education, and on supporting start-up companies. In the future, BMBF funding will also be complemented by regional financing through the Federal States to the same amount. CCN evaluation results: + Successful integration of several scientific and technical disciplines + Established forum for science and industry + Established a nano discipline + Networks along the value-added chain + Achieved international visibility + Primary contact for interested parties + Accelerated the innovation process + Ultraprecise surface processing (Braunschweig) Other networks + Nanobioanalytics (Münster) + HanseNanoTec (Hamburg) + Nanoanalytics (München) + Nanostructures in optoelectronics NanOp (Berlin) + NanoBioTech (Kaiserslautern) Besides the competence centres that are directly supported by the BMBF, several other networks have evolved that pursue different goals and are therefore differently structured. In contrast to networks with a (virtual) structure that is generally nationwide, several universities and research centres have consolidated their nanotechnological basic research activities through local in some cases even internal networks. Examples include: + NanoMat (Karlsruhe; established and financed by the FZK) The purpose of the infrastructural activity of these competence centres is to optimise the conditions for bringing potential users and nanotechnology researchers together. The centres will efficiently focus the nanotechnological knowledge of their members and convert it into industrial development. Other tasks of the competence centres include in particular activities related to training and continuing education, collaboration on issues concerning standardisation and regulations, consulting and support of would-be entrepreneurs and public-relations work. The individual competence centres are organised along the subject-specific value-added chain in their respective fields. The entire network presently interlinks approximately 440 players from the academic sphere (29%), research institutions (23%), + CeNS (München), + CINSAT (Kassel), + CNI (Jülich) + CFN (Karlsruhe). The NanoBioNet in the Saarland region also has a strong regional focus.the establishment of incubators founded by universities plays a very special part by supporting spin-offs in the academic environment. To meet this objective, CenTech GmbH in Münster, for example, has established its own start-up support centre.

19 17 Institutional research establishments Institutional nanotechnology funding (in million ) Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG} 60,0 60,0 60,0 60,0 Wissensgemeinschaft G.W. Leibniz (WGL) 23,7 23,6 23,4 23,5 Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (HGF) 38,2 37,1 37,4 37,8 Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (MPG) 14,8 14,8 14,8 14,8 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (FhG) 4,6 5,4 5,2 4,9 Caesar 1,8 3,3 4,0 4,4 Total (in million ) 143,1 144,2 144,8 145,4 Table 2: Funds for nanotechnology research in the context of DFG funding and institutional funding. Wissenschaftsgemeinschaft G. W. Leibniz (WGL) In Germany, institutional research in nanotechnology outside the universities is pursued by the four large research associations: MPG, FhG, HGF and WGL. These associations maintain numerous research establishments or working groups whose range of activities includes nanotechnology research. What s more, these partners are also integrated into many collaborative research programmes and priority programs of the DFG. Table 2 lists the public expenditures on nanotechnology-related research in DFG funded projects, and expenditures on institutional support by the BMBF jointly with the Federal States. The institutes of the WGL (G.W. Leibniz Science Association) conduct basic and industrially orientated work in nanotechnology. Some of their principal efforts are focused on nanomaterials research, in which the Institutes for New Materials (INM, Saarbrücken), for Solid State and Materials Research (IFW, Dresden) and for Polymer Research (IPF, Dresden) rank among the leaders; and on surface technology, for instance at the Institute for Surface Modification (IOM, Leipzig) and at the Rossendorf Research Centre (FZR). Work at the Paul-Drude-Institut (PDI, Berlin) includes basic research in solid state electronics. The INM is strictly a nanotechnology centre. In addition to the application-related development of new nanomaterials with heat-resistant, anti-reflecting, electrochromic, self-cleaning and other properties, the institute is also engaged in technology transfer. Several start-up companies are already doing business as spin-offs of the INM. The INM develops processing and manufacturing methods for diverse nanomaterials up to and including readiness for actual use (including contract development on behalf of industry). Fire protection materials with nanoscaled fillers Source: Institut für Neue Materialien, Saarbrücken

20 18 Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft deutscher Forschungszentren (HGF) The HGF (Helmholtz Association of National Research Centres) also conducts work on issues related to materials and nanoelectronics. Especially noteworthy is the work at the two research centres in Karlsruhe (FZK) and Jülich (FZJ). R&D on nanomaterials and thin-film systems is also pursued at the research centre in Geesthacht (GKSS) and at the Hahn-Meitner-Institut in Berlin (HMI). At the FZK, the research field Key Technologies NANO focuses on two subjects: nanoelectronics and nanostructured materials. The Centre has moreover joined the Universities of Karlsruhe and Strasbourg in establishing the NanoValley research association. This research is conducted at the newlybuilt Institute for Nanotechnology (INT) of the FZK. Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (MPG) Work at the institutes of the MPG (Max Planck Society) is contributing fundamentally important knowledge towards new approaches in nanotechnology research. The Institute for Solid State Research and Metals Research in Stuttgart and the MPI for Microstructure Physics in Halle for instances have been active for many years in the fields of nanomaterials, characterisation methods and new functionalities. Internationally recognized R&D achievements have also been contributed by the Institutes for Polymer Research (Mainz), for Colloid and Boundary Layer Research (Golm), for Biochemistry (Munich-Martinsried), for Coal Research (Mülheim), and by the Fritz-Haber Institute (Berlin). Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (FhG) Since an industrial demand already exists in most areas of nanotechnology, many institutes of the FhG (Fraunhofer Society) conduct projects focused on specific applications jointly with industrial companies. Some of these efforts are focused on thin-film and surface technologies, a field in which the FhG has been supported by the BMBF for many years. The Institutes for Materials and Laser Beam Technology (IWS, Dresden), for Silicate Research (ISC, Würzburg), for Optics and Precision Mechanics (IOF, Jena) and for Boundary Layer Research (IGB, Stuttgart) have been very active in this subject area. Nanomaterials research receives high priority at the Institutes for Applied Materials Research (IFAM, Bremen), for Applied Solid State Physics (IAF, Freiburg) and for Chemical Technology (ICT, Pfinztal), among others. The Institutes for Silicon Technology (ISIT, Itzehoe) and for Production Technology (IPT, Aachen) are exploring the interface of microtechnology and nanotechnology. The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM, Berlin) is making contributions in particular to assembly and interconnection technology. The Institute for Biomedical Technology (IBMT, St. Ingbert) is exploring links to nanobiotechnology. The Institute for Solar Energies (ISE, Freiburg) is investigating the contribution of nanotechnology to energy production. The FhG-IBMT conducts nanobiotechnology research. The principal research areas here are biosensor systems and biochip research. Specific research subjects include, among others, biosensing technology, biohybrid systems, molecular bioanalytics and bioelectronics, as well as medical biotechnology & biochip technology. The MPI for Solid State Research emphasizes close collaboration between the different disciplines of physics and chemistry as well as between experimentally and theoretically active scientists. The centre conducts nanoresearch and technology particularly in the following areas: nanoionics, carbon nanotubes, nm-thin films, barrier layers and nanoparticles. Animal cell (fibroblast) on a nanostructured substrate Source: Fraunhofer IBMT, St. Ingbert

21 19 Universities and other research establishments Nearly all German universities with a technical and scientific programme of studies are conducting R&D related to nanotechnology. At the same time, growing emphasis is given to developing an interdisciplinary understanding of the relationships in various areas of this field. At several universities, nanotechnology courses of study have already been established that are closely linked to current research topics. Examples of the comprehensive activities covering this subject area can be found in the academic centres of Karlsruhe, Aachen, München, Münster, Hamburg, Saarbrükken, Kaiserslautern, Berlin, Kassel, Würzburg, Freiburg and Marburg. Technical universities too are beginning to focus more sharply on this field of studies. In addition to the aforementioned institutes, the strongly diversified R&D system in Germany also includes other establishments involved with nanotechnology, such as the NMI in Reutlingen, AMICA Aachen, IMS-Chips in Stuttgart, FBH Berlin, Bessy II Berlin, PTB Braunschweig, CAESAR in Bonn and IPHT in Jena. Courses of study in nanotechnology + Nanostructure Technology (University of Würzburg) + Nanostructure Sciences (University of Kassel) + Micro- and Nanostructures (Saarland University) + Bachelor Course Nanoscience (University Bielefeld) + Molecular Science (University Erlangen-Nürnberg) + Nanomolecular Science (International University Bremen) + Master s Programme in Micro- and Nanotechnology (FH München) + Bio- and Nanotechnologies (FH Südwestfalen) Industrial R&D The players in the nanotechnology field in Germany also include several hundred industrial companies. Research programmes in many large corporations such as Infineon, DaimlerChrysler, Schott, Carl Zeiss, Siemens, Osram, Degussa, BASF, Bayer, Metallgesellschaft and Henkel include open questions in nanotechnology. For example, nearly all major chemical companies are working with nanoscale materials. These research activities vary in the way they are organised. While Henkel has spun off SusTech and Phenion in cooperation with the universities in Darmstadt and Frankfurt for the development and marketing of new nanotechnology applications outside the company in a university setting, Degussa has launched Projekthaus Nano at Creavis, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to research nanotechnological methods and products in-house to the point of their suitability for application with the support of universities. Some of these developments are currently being transferred to business units. Carl Zeiss was established back in 1846 and has always been engaged in subjects related to precision mechanics and optics. The company is world-renowned, especially in the field of ultraprecision processing. To serve the field of lithography more efficiently, the company established Carl Zeiss Semiconductor Manufacturing Technologies AG as a spin-off on a new manufacturing site. A third available model is to entirely outsource the utilisation of the research results and of any related patents. Examples include spin-offs such as Sunyx (from Bayer AG) and Mildendo (from Jenoptik). Infineon AG is using yet another model to implement nanotechnology knowledge, by assigning responsibility for this area to an internal research department (Infineon-CPR Corporate Research) with a distinct focus on nanotechnology. In addition to sub- 50-nm CMOS transistors for future nanoelectronics this organisation is also focusing on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as possible connections between different chip levels (chip interconnects). While large companies tend to be interested mainly in system solutions with prospects of large sales volumes, small and mid-sized enterprises are mainly concerned with production, analysis and equipment-related technologies. SMEs in this field include Nanogate Technologies GmbH (Saarbrücken), a company that supplies its nanomaterials for a variety of applications (easy-to-clean coatings, non-stick products, anti-graffiti protection, etc.). HL-Planar, a company that manufactures various sensors and also provides services in the field of thin-films for microsystems, is already using nanotechnology under a variety of conditions in manufacturing GMR sensors for the auto and machine-construction industry. Important players in nanotechnology in Germany also include many start-up companies (spin-offs of universities and research institutes) such as Nano-X, ItN- Nanovation, NanoSolution, Capsulution and so on. In addition to companies specialising in the production of nanomaterials, there are many others that are active in nanostructuring (such as Aixtron, NaWoTec, Team Nanotech, Nanosensors) or nanoanalytics (including Omicron Nanotechnologies, IoNTOF, NanoAnalytics, Nanotype, SIS and NanoTools).

22 20 Surface with hydrophobic properties Source: BASF AG In the early 1980s, Omicron Nanotechnologies GmbH was already addressing subjects that became important in nanotechnology during the following years: analytics and coating methods. Soon after the discovery of the scanning tunnel microscope, Omicron began to focus on the manufacture of such instruments and broadened its line of microscopy and analytical instruments to such an extent that, from the mid-1980s on, it achieved an annual growth rate of about 25%. Today, the company is the global market leader in scanning tunnel microscopy systems for research. Nanotechnology funding in Germany Not counting the industry s own contribution, Germany s public expenditures for nanotechnology funding in 2004 total about 290 million. This does not include the Federal States expenditures on the universities basic budgets, nor the industry s own funding of nanotechnology research apart from public funding. Evaluation of the nanotechnology player scene in Germany In the field of nanotechnology, Germany can build on a well-educated corps of scientists, on a differentiated and networked R&D and industrial landscape, and on committed engineers and entrepreneurs. All of these players are aware that nanotechnology innovations require large investments but that they also create new job opportunities. The BMBF supports such innovative companies by funding collaborative projects, particular in those applications in which a dominant market position and high profit targets appear attainable. Both these forward-looking companies and public institutions are investing substantial sums in strengthening this discipline and the players in it. These efforts include both R&D work and an expanding array of supporting measures, such as the development of networked structures, the establishment of academic programmes in nanotechnology and other activities designed to ensure a pool of new talent, as well as the familiarisation of society with this subject. Table 3: Public expenditure on funding for nanotechnology projects in Germany. Nanotechnology funding in Germany (in million ) BMBF project funding 73,9 88,2 123,8 129,2 BMWA project funding 21,1 24,5 24,5 23,7 Institutional funding 143,1 144,2 144,8 145,4 Total (in million ) 238,1 256,9 293,1 298,3

23 21 German activities in comparison to other countries In developing basic requirements for new products and applications, Germany ranked among the top contenders worldwide in most technology sectors, and in nanotechnology R&D Germany is also considered to be at the same level as the USA and Japan. But a comparison of different countries shares in the volume of publications and patents reveals that a gulf still separates the realm of nanotechnology science in Germany from applications- and product-orientated R&D. In this respect the situation is more comparable with that in Japan, while the USA is pursuing objectives that are much more implementation-orientated. Germany is strong in the nanosciences, but it still has some catching up to do in their industrial implementation. As fascinating as the opportunities in nanotechnology are, German industrial customers and others in this market still appear hesitant to seize and use them for innovative products. Despite its excellence as a research location, its numerous start-up companies and its market opportunities, Germany still has some catching up to when it comes to implementing its nanotechnology expertise. To end this state of affairs and lay the foundation for future competitiveness, the BMBF has turned to a new approach by establishing competence centres, opening new avenues of support for SMEs and supporting concurrent educational initiatives. This new, parallel strategy the funding of projects concurrent with the establishment of a supporting infrastructure has reinforced Germany s position among the top contenders in nanotechnology research while increasing the number and enhancing the reputation of companies involved with nanotechnology. In approximate terms, both the USA and Europe have about the same number of companies involved in nanotechnology. Roughly half of the companies located in Europe originate in Germany. A comparison with the situation in Japan or other countries in Southeast Asia is difficult due to the lack of reliable company data for that region. Based on rough estimates and without further analysis of the details of the provided support, a comparison of expenditures in Europe, the USA and Japan shows very similar levels of funding. During the 2002 fiscal year, around 570 million was spent in the USA and approx. 770 million was approved for Japan s Governmental Budget Plan for Nanotechnology includes a total of 750 million for 2002 and provides 800 million annually starting in Recently the British government has announced an initiative to guarantee expenditures amounting to approx. 130 million, starting in 2004, for the next six years. The Research Directorate General of the European Commission estimates funding for nanotechnology in Europe to add up to approx. 700 Table 1: Expenditures for the support of nanotechnology in Germany, Europe, the USA and Japan in millions of euros (for simplicity s sake, $1 is assumed to equal 1 and 100 yen; for comparison purposes these data are questionable, because there is no internationally uniform definition of the field, the data differ with respect to gross or net expenditures, purchasing power differences are not considered, and it is virtually impossible to accurately state industrial expenditures.) (in million ) Germany Europe (incl. nat. funding) USA Japan

24 22 million in The European Commission has budgeted a sum of million for the period ending in 2006 in other words, about 250 million annually starting in 2003 through the funding activities of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), in which nanotechnology is primarily supported under the 3rd Thematic Priority. Germany is also participating with approximately 250 million annually, which makes it the largest contributor in public funding of nanotechnology in Europe. Consequently, a total of about million for nanotechnology R&D can be considered realistic for the other member nations as a whole. Today, nanotechnology is recognised as an important field for the future in all relevant industrial nations and is funded accordingly. As a result, national or region-specific research programmes are being established not only in the USA, in Japan and Europe but also in China, Korea, Taiwan, Australia and other countries. What the current programmes in nearly all of these countries have in common (besides the large investments in this future technology) are attributes that were addressed by the BMBF five years ago: + An interdisciplinary approach in supporting this field + Simultaneous support of basic and applied research + Initiation of networking activities + Expansion of international cooperation + Combination with issues of future training and continuing education + Public discussion of socially relevant questions + The demand for rapid knowledge conversion in order to strengthen local economies Summing up the present situation During the past several years, nanotechnology-related measures launched by the BMBF have substantially increased the visibility of the activities in Germany. According to Philippe Busquin (Research Commissioner of the EU) Germany is the growth engine in the EU with respect to nanotechnological innovations. This statement is an indicator that Germany is well positioned in nanotechnology, both scientifically and infrastructurally. The BMBF has initiated the development of this future technology earlier than has been the case in other countries and has appropriately addressed the scope of this subject in several technical programmes. An internationally recognised position has been established in specific areas by focusing on industryorientated issues. This position must now be reinforced and expanded by appropriate additional actions. To prevail in the face of a strong upsurge of international competition, the speed of the innovation process must be increased and the long-term creation of added value must be ensured by measures that are supportive of innovation. The Germans are serious about nano and have in place a good funding structure and co-ordinated approach with useful networks and Centres of Excellence. No researcher complained about lack of funding!! Commercialisation has moved right up the agenda, and is actively encouraged and supported - a relatively recent change in approach for the Germans. Finally; Germany has established itself as a proactive player in global technology markets, through creating a strong, co-ordinated research base with good links to industry. DTI-Report on The International Technology Service Mission on Nanotechnology to Germany and the USA, 2001

25 Germany s innovation initiative for nanotechnology 23 Germany s innovation initiative for nanotechnology New strategy for funding and support of nanotechnology by the BMBF To remain successful in the face of increasing globalisation, Germany must be conscious of its strengths in business and science and make better use of these assets. Nanotechnology s new potential for innovation is increasingly accessible thanks to interdisciplinary perspectives that span a range of industries. And the result is a qualitative leap for the technology s application and continuing commercial use, which must now be supported by decisive moves in research policy. This is where the development of products and systems based on nanotechnological advances and the integration of nanostructures in micro- and macroscopic environments presents an opportunity that must not be missed. In many areas of nanotechnology, Germany is still out in front of many other countries in terms of knowledge. This advantage, when paired with the production and sales structures needed for implementation and the internationally renowned German talent for system integration, must consequently lead to success in the marketplace. And this is exactly the field of application for the planned innovation initiative Nanotechnologie erobert Märkte (nanotechnology conquers markets) and for the new BMBF strategy in support of nanotechnology, which is being developed for the initiative. Until now, aspects of nanotechnology have been advanced within the confines of their respective technical subject areas. However, the primary aim of incorporating them into an overall national strategy is to build on Germany s well-developed and internationally competitive research in science and technology to Forward-looking political policy for fostering innovation must recognise emerging trends, support and fund pioneering development and generate new products and therefore new jobs. Only those who bring their own technologies onto the leading markets can quickly gain acceptance for their innovations in competition with alternative innovations from other countries in the global marketplace. (on the role of market leadership, from a report on Germany s technological performance in 2001)

26 24 tap the potential of Germany s important industrial sectors for the application of nanotechnology through joint research projects (leading-edge innovations) that strategically target the value-added chain. This development is to be supported by government education policy to remedy a threatening shortage of skilled professionals. To realize that goal, forward-looking political policymaking must become oriented to a uniform concept of innovation, one that takes into consideration all facets of new technological advances that can contribute to a new culture of innovation in Germany. And that includes education and research policy as well as a climate that encourages and supports innovation in science, business and society. Germany s economic future largely depends on how determined the country is to seize the opportunities pre- sented by new technologies such as nanotechnology and on how successful it is in transferring those opportunities into economic gains. In order to ensure that the society can enjoy growth, employment and prosperity for the mid and longterm, therefore, advances in research must consistently be applied to those areas where there is the most dynamic change and where market-leading innovations are possible. For many of Germany s important industrial sectors including the automotive business, IT, chemistry, pharmaceuticals and optics the future competitiveness of their products depends on opening up the nanocosmos. The share of the 2002 gross domestic product generated by the chemical industry, mechanical engineering, electronics, IT and communications technology and automotive manufacturing was approximately 36 per cent. With export quotas that can exceed 50 per cent, it is exactly these economic sectors Nanotechnology and growth cycles Today s emerging international competition in nanotechnology is a logical result of the technological developments of the last three decades. While biotechnology and microelectronics were among the dominant concentrations in global research and technology from the 1970s, in the 1980s materials research and information technology became the reigning priority. In the early 1990s, R&D work in the fields of miniaturisation and the integration of the smallest functional units in particular took off. This period also saw new efforts in chemistry that were aimed at achieving targeted product design by following the principles of selforganisation and merging functionalised individual system components. This work also opened new design possibilities in surfaces and materials technologies. The imperative at the opening of the 21st century is to combine these diverse disciplines in such a way that creates added value. In combination with biotechnology and IT, nanotechnology will be treated as one of the fundamental and essential technologies in the next multi-year growth cycle. As a result, in every high-tech region in the world it is considered one of the most important technologies of the future and is receiving tremendous support and funding. National programmes and researchfield specific programmes are not only being applied in the United States, Japan and Europe; they are also underway in China, Korea, Taiwan and Australia, for example. 3D electronic construction Source: IBM

27 25 and their innovative products that are Germany s top earners on the global market. In contrast, the export quota registered by the industrial sectors that are not researchintensive was only about 25 per cent. Key technologies such as nanotechnology thus directly influence the potential for growth and employment in the German economy s largest sectors, which must be used as the safeguards of the nation s prosperity. Technology and innovation are the decisive factors that are having a growing impact on the ability to compete with low-wage countries. How greatly the prosperity of our society relies on technological advances the development and use of key technologies is illustrated by an example from the United States: More than two thirds of American private assets were created after The largest companies in the world, based on their market value, are all less than 30 years old, and the majority of them are technology companies that produce and market innovative products. It is now plain to see that the dynamic growth of nanotechnology has begun in earnest, and the German government s research and innovation policies have made a vitally important contribution to this development. Those policies include an energetic commitment to research and development that has combined with dramatic increases in research expenditures by businesses to once again drive the research-and-technology share of the gross domestic product to 2.5 per cent. Now it all depends on setting a proper course for the future support of nanotechnology and to organize its breakthrough as an economically viable technology. The need for an overall strategy In order for the country to also remain competitive on the global market, an overall national strategy for the future funding and support of nanotechnology is needed. This strategic approach also comprises, in addition to the formulation of new application possibilities, solutions in the areas of nutrition, health, the environment, and safety issues. With the application of solutions based on smaller, faster and higher-performing system components, many of today s challenges will open the way in the future to new market opportunities, which will depend on securing key patents as soon as possible and on coordinated value production from basic research to product marketing. Initially this will mean the introduction of new products and processes through continual development of existing technologies, which will be increasingly combined with nanotechnological elements. Goals of the implementation measures described in the overall concept: + With its activities in nanotechnology, the BMBF supports the federal government s efforts to achieve substantial gains in economic prosperity while reducing the consumption of energy and natural resources. + With this overall concept, the BMBF aims to help exploit nanotechnology s potential with respect to commerce and employment in order to sustain existing employment, above all, and to create the jobs of the future by applying new ideas for products and services. + In addition to the traditional model of project funding within research alliances, the BMBF will work even more closely with partners from business and the sciences, using strategically applied research partnerships (leadingedge innovations) to tackle issues in the field of nanotechnology that are relevant to the country s standing as a scientific and technological location. + The BMBF will increase its support for such nanotechnology research projects, which include intensive cooperation with SMEs, generate motivation for launching new companies and stabilise young firms. The BMBF has implemented a range of measures as a basis for making the programme even more attractive to SMEs. These measures will be closely studied in the nanotechnology field, and they will be further expanded through the start of a specific funding measure for SMEs (NanoChance). + The BMBF will integrate the national debate on the opportunities, prospects and risks of nanotechnology into the discussion of future R&D activities. + As part of this concept, the BMBF supports measures that advance innovative and sophisticated technologies in order to strengthen competitive and location-specific advantages, support up-and-coming talent, generate expertise and infrastructures, and act as a driving force in training and education. + In addition to intensive R&D efforts in nanotechnology and integration of the research infrastructure, the BMBF will also play an active role in advancing the formation of a European Research Area, with the help of competence centres and through the establishment of a national contact point.

28 26 Exploiting nanotechnology s market and employment potential through R&D The creation of jobs with secure futures is the central responsibility of domestic politics, and the reserves of all political forces must be mobilized if this responsibility is to be met. Besides introducing job-market reforms, new forces of growth must be enlisted in the effort. Research policy, in particular, can point the way to more growth and help create jobs that have mid-range and long-term futures. The key to this push is to vigorously channel research funding towards innovation. Innovations form the foundation of Germany s competitiveness and, as a result, the basis for growth and employment in our country. In the age of globalisation, innovations are the lifeblood of our economy. They keep the economy moving, offset lost jobs and create prosperity. In the age of globalisation and growing communication networks, knowledge is available around the world. But the only people who will be creating jobs and enjoying growth are the ones who are the first to implement innovations. Granted, it is difficult to quantify a relationship between innovations in new technologies and the employment system. As a result, it is not possible to make a simple forecast about the effects on the job market in a national economy. But no one doubts that global shifts in the job market are occurring between national economies that have received an innovation boost and those that have not. Rough estimates show that the global market volume affected by nanotechnological knowledge is around 100 billion (see Figure 3). That corresponds to approximately 500,000 jobs. Among the sectors with the highest job totals, there are at least three whose futures will be decided in part by expertise in nanotechnological processes. These three sectors information and communication technology, motor-vehicle technology and chemistry employ more than 2 million people in Germany. The international competitiveness of these sectors is based largely on knowledge and researchintensive industrial areas that are forced to use technical innovations in their effort to adapt faster to demand than their competitors. Increasingly, nanotechnological knowledge is flowing into other R&D-intensive sectors, including optics, biotechnology, medical technology and measurement engineering. This knowledge will play a competitively decisive role in the future positioning of products. In such areas, the newly redirected nanotechnology funding efforts by the BMBF will provide fresh momentum in the drive to launch market-dominating innovations and to initiate sustainable mid-range and longterm opportunities for growth, employment and prosperity in Germany. Given the positions being taken on technological capacities, the necessary contributions to the creation of jobs with secure futures and the current changes in innovation processes, an intensified research-policy focus on new technologies is today paramount. Technological megatrends such as miniaturization, individualization and networking are playing a major role in the direction being taken in research policy. The technological megatrend of miniaturization can illustrate the potential of nanotechnology as a future key technology to delve into dimensions never reached before and to open the way for the creation of products that are equipped with considerably improved or totally new functions. At the same time, social changes such as an increasingly aging population or the desire for mobility and security must be considered. The BMBF is taking on this challenge and is shaping its innovation policy in the area of nanotechnology funding accordingly. The primary goals of this effort are to enhance the economy s profile in global competition, to consolidate and extend economic strengths, and to seize upon new developments in technology, the economy and society. A higher-profile effort to promote research in the area of nanotechnology should focus primarily on areas where special economic leverage can be exploited. This would include creating jobs with secure futures, preserving

29 27 The amount of data available about nanotechnology s economic importance is fragmentary, both in Germany and in other countries. The impact that nanotechnological knowledge can have on marketable products has existed for years in the areas of electronics production, data storage, functional layers and precision optics. In recent times, nanotechnological knowledge has flowed increasingly into the fields of biology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals and medicine. This trend is likely to continue. Even today, the extensive effect that nanotechnological knowledge is having on markets worth billions, including drug production, medical diagnosis, analysis and chemical and biological catalyst surfaces, is obvious. or expanding technological leadership, integrating ranges of services, and supporting German companies as system leaders in the global market. For this reason, it is imperative that the lead markets in Germany should become the centre of attention, particularly in the areas of automotive manufacturing, machine construction, optics and chemistry. One key aspect of these lead-market sectors is their particularly close relationship with the German scientific community, from which they obtain their technological strengths. This relationship must be supported with respect to nanotechnology in future. The task of researchers and politicians is to seize the opportunities of this new technological field by strengthening Germany s lead markets and by opening new markets in the drive to tap nanotechnology s potential to solve such social problems as unemployment and sustainability. Furthermore, it is also important for the BMBF s funding policy that the questions concerning the possible applications of nanotechnology and their consequences which are being intensively, and sometimes controversially, debated in the public arena are faced and answered. Figure 3: Statements about the global market volume of nanotechnology (in billions of euros) from various sources (Graphic provided by the Deutsche Bank, Microtechnology Innovation Team) billions

30 28 Using leading-edge innovations for applications Now that some areas of nanotechnology have matured, we can and must devote more effort to seeking a balance between public research and the strategic interests of German industry. In the process, we must concentrate on the strengths of the German economy in order to achieve the maximum possible leveraging effect in economic terms. Research efforts are being focused on key areas of innovation, i.e. on strategic technological developments pursued jointly by industry and the scientific community with a pooling of research capacities and funds across multiple technologies. These partners are founding strategy-orientated research projects that can foster leading-edge innovations which highlight the economic possibilities and the social utility of nanotechnology. Unfolding their considerable economic potential, these Leading-edge innovations in nanotechnology help develop new growth sectors. The BMBF is planning the following measures to address the market and job potential of nanotechnology: + Priority funding of leading-edge innovations + Infrastructure expansion through networks, education and support of innovation + Use of scientific excellence for application + Intensified use of European integration + Boosted involvement of SMEs + Support of entrepreneurs Other important criteria for leading-edge innovations include: + Ability to present a complete portrayal of the valueadded chain + Creation of economic leverage effects in neighbouring fields of application innovations are intended to exert the maximum leveraging effect on growth and employment along the entire valueadded chains. In particular, they should strengthen strengths. This involves the strengthening of nanotechnology itself as a driver of growth in many particularly the lead market sectors, its increasing connectedness with other technologies and its integration into applications (e.g. automobiles, machines and services), the consolidation and expansion of existing markets and the development of new growth fields. Addressing the basis for innovative strength, this innovation strategy aims to secure competence in cross-disciplinary technologies such as nanotechnology as enablers for application-orientated product and system innovations, and to identify innovative fields of technology with immediate applications and cultivate them systematically (courage to focus) where lasting differentiation and competitive advantages can be attained in global innovation processes characterized by a division of labour. Industry is called on to lead projects of this kind and participate in them to a significant degree. Leading-edge innovations are supported as collaborative projects between partners from the scientific community and the commercial world. The BMBF will publish funding announcements concerning each of the leading-edge innovations. + Robustness and reproducibility of product development, while maintaining ecological compatibility + Addressing of new functionalities and their system integration + Possibility of series production and economical implementation + Predictability of the manufacturing method/product behaviour and inferred reliability + Integration of the results into new educational programmes + Protection of the findings through standards and patents Leading-edge innovations dealing with socially relevant applications aspire to become trendsetters for economically successful BMBF funding measures and to open up new avenues of more rapid realisation. In strong sectors, all of the participants needed to generate added value are usually present in the country, so that a closed chain of implemen-

31 29 tation can be described and supported. A complete description of leading-edge innovations also requires working out roadmaps that link the technical possibilities with the market conditions and the necessary strategy so that, starting from the social utility and market potential of an innovation, one can derive the requirements for research and development, establish the necessary work packets and schedules on that basis, and describe the necessary contributions of the partners involved, including the required activities in various technical programmes of the BMBF. Concrete projects that then result must be understood as elements on the road leading to a successful outcome over the long term. A scenario based on a leading-edge innovation must include descriptions of elements such as networking, early agreement concerning the goal to be achieved and the broad, added utility of the results. Those involved in nanotechnology are becoming increasingly interested in orientating basic nanotechnological developments to a broad range of potential applications in order to participate in the worldwide markets. Numerous discussions with individuals from the scientific community and industry have resulted in the following examples of fields of innovation that aim to extend the lead acquired in the area of nanoelectronics (Dresden location: NanoFab), integrate nanotechnology into core sectors of the German economy, such as the automotive industry (NanoMobil), develop new areas of application (NanoLux), and enable interdisciplinary approaches (NanoLife). Leading-edge innovation: High-precision maximum throughput fabrication for nanoelectronics NanoFab. One example of a leading-edge innovation the BMBF has already taken up is the measure to support next-generation nanoelectronics manufacturing methods. This includes the project support for EUVL lithography funded since early 2001 with over 50 million from BMBF over a period of 5 years which lays the groundwork for future microchip production on the basis of powerful hardware technology. The industry expenditures of over 120 million represent more than double the amount of this government funding. Another central area of support is the collaborative project Imaging Techniques, in the framework of which the first leading-edge mask centre in Europe is bringing together the strategic advance research for chip production. The BMBF will provide approximately 80 million for research into mask technologies and their alternatives for manufacturing nanoelectronic chips with feature sizes ranging from 65 nm down to the ultimate limit. The fabrication of these nanoelectronic chips uses a variety of different nanotechnologies. Reflecting layers with a precision on the nanometre scale allow the controlled exposure of masks. Precalculated nanostructures can offset diffraction errors, which makes it possible to write features that are less than half the size of the wavelength of light. Example: Nanoelectronics Electronics represents the foundation of nearly every innovative technology of our time. There is now hardly any piece of technical equipment that can do without electronic components. In Germany alone, the market for electronic components has a volume of approximately 20 billion and employs over 70,000 people. Even more important, however, is the leveraging effect that electronics has on innovation because of its fundamental character. Worldwide, the electronics industry is already the leader among the manufacturing industries, having already surpassed even the automotive industry. Of particular importance, however, is the fact that no other manufacturing sector generates as much added value as electronics. This accounts for the special character of its key position in economic terms, too. For those who want to position themselves at the forefront of the world market with innovative technological products, electronics is an indispensable element of the value-added chain, an element that will continue to grow considerably in importance. Principle of EUV-Lithography Source: Carl Zeiss SMT AG

32 30 Photo masks for lithography Source: Schott AG Optical image distortions can be compensated for through nanoscale structures and layers. Mask substrates must be atomically flat over large areas. In an industrial maximumthroughput process, nanoparticles must be found and removed to enable extremely low fault levels. The nanomechanical influences of gravitation must be offset. Heavy, solid machine parts must be positioned with nanometre precision and minimum delay. All of this serves to make available nanotechnology with an extremely high level of productivity. Nanoelectronics is therefore the first technology to penetrate the nanocosmos on a broad front not just in selected niches but especially in mass production for standard applications ranging from the desktop PC to the automobile and the first to fulfil the expectations people have of nanotechnology in a tangible, affordable way, in the form of a marked increase in performance at steadily falling prices. The electronics industry is the only technology sector that has formulated the development of nanoscale technologies in the form of a roadmap which is systematically followed as a guideline by all the leading chip and hardware manufacturers worldwide. According to this roadmap, the first memory modules with feature sizes of 90 nm will be available on the market beginning in The current research efforts are by no means the end, however. Already, it is clear that, despite earlier reservations, CMOS nanoelectronics definitely has the potential for even more miniaturisation. Of course, we cannot say with certainty whether it will be possible to shrink features down to 15 nm or even less than 10 nm, but work is already being conducted on solutions for the post-cmos era, too, based on new materials and the use of new effects of physics. There is admittedly still no proof that structures of this kind can be manufactured economically and hence made accessible to the public at large. However, the history of electronics shows that man s inventive genius has so far always been able to overcome any obstacle on the road to progress in electronics. Example: Automotive engineering German automotive engineering is at the forefront of the industry worldwide. In the last 10 years, the turnover of the German manufacturers and suppliers has risen by about eighty percent, approximately four times as much as in other industrial sectors. In 2001, there were about 770,000 employees helping to generate revenues of 202 billion. The automotive industry is thus one of the most important drivers of the German economy. Its share of global production comes to 23 percent when mergers are taken into account. There are approximately 730 million cars on the road worldwide. In China and India alone, the demand for mobility is estimated at about 600 million cars. To a great extent, the success of the German car manufacturers is essentially due to the domestic suppliers. The latter consider their greatest challenge to be the stabilisation of their technological expertise, which is crucial for the German market position. The German manufacturers have opted for a strategy of using top-class technology to gain a competitive edge, which creates the need for large R&D expenditures. Attractive products and new market opportunities can be attained only through the creative joint efforts of all those involved in the process of creating value. In order to strengthen these strengths of the domestic

33 31 industry, it would be appropriate for the participants to combine their efforts in the framework of a leading-edge innovation. Leading-edge innovation: Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in Cars NanoMobil According to a study conducted by the Office for Technology Assessment of the German Bundestag, nanotechnological expertise in the automotive design of the future is one of the core capabilities that are absolutely essential for maintaining international competitiveness. The automobile is used for both work and leisure; it ensures individuality and guarantees mobility. There are approximately threequarters of a billion vehicles on the road worldwide, and the number is growing. Hence, the problems of vehicle consumption, pollution emissions, recycling and the volume of traffic also represent opportunities for industry, particularly for the German automotive industry, which is so strong internationally. This is a lead market, and its strength is, on the one hand, its role as a driver of technology, because a leadingedge innovation of this sort can open up prospects for applications in other fields. In addition, its strength comes from its role as an important customer of the supplier industry, which is dominated by medium-sized firms. A Technological targets of the leading-edge innovation NanoMobil Source: German car manufacturers leading-edge innovation NanoMobil must therefore make an extra effort to involve R&D institutes and innovative suppliers that develop basic discoveries in nanotechnology, that evaluate them with respect to their use in the car of the future and additional broad-based industrial exploitation, and that realise them in new products together with suitable industry partners. Example: Optical industry In 2002, the German optical, medical and mechatronics industry generated turnover of roughly 31 billion and employed 216,000 people. The optical industry serves many sectors of the future, such as information and communications technology, healthcare, the biological sciences, lighting engineering and sensor technology. In many of these areas, the German optical industry leads the world. To maintain this position, the sector devotes approximately 9 percent of its annual expenditures to R&D. Optical technologies often play key roles in innovative applications. But progress in optics is sometimes made possible by new insights from other advanced technologies too, such as through R&D work in nanotechnology. Energysaving optical components that are more powerful and more reliable are only possible because of faster and more compact system components, and they guarantee future market share. Leading-edge innovation: NanoLux leading-edge automotive innovation that uses nanotechnological expertise for new functionalities will aim to optimise sustainability, safety and comfort. Making progress toward the leading-edge innovations goals of creating jobs and encouraging sustainable developments requires new solutions derived through nanotechnology, materials research and adaptronics, in particular. With a view to possible paradigm shifts in future automotive design, the In the future, efficient semiconductor-based sources of radiation will be essential components for a large number of innovative light applications. In contrast to conventional sources of light, these light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be manufactured very compactly and with a low overall height, and they are therefore extremely well suited for use in a large number of optical devices in which space savings, miniaturisation and heat dissipation are crucial system features. Their outstanding characteristics are robustness, longevity and a possibility for variable colour management, properties that enable a whole new quality of light processing. Current research is using nanolayers, nanostructures and new molecule designs in the quest for high luminance, high efficiency, very small dimensions and a long service life for light sources of all colours. Furthermore, the combination of semiconductor engineering and nanotechnology can generate a completely new form of general lighting. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have the potential to create made-to-order light very efficiently, and that includes light that is comfortable for human beings. Moreover, they can be 10 times as efficient as incandescent bulbs and last many times longer, too.

34 32 The economic potential of light sources is very high. Eight percent of all the electrical energy consumed in Germany (43 billion kwh/year) is used for general lighting and in the USA it is more twice that. In the still widely used LEDs from Osram illuminate the Park-Hotel Weggis in Switzerland incandescent bulb, however, only 5 percent of the energy is converted to light; the remain is lost as heat. From an ecological point of view, this means that lighting alone is responsible for eight percent of the total CO 2 emissions. Considered in the context of the economy as a whole, the associated energy costs amount to approximately 0.3 percent of the gross national product. New sources of light can cut both energy costs and CO 2 emissions in half and thereby contribute to sustainable resource management. The global market volume for general lighting is 12 billion, with Germany alone accounting for 500 million of that amount. Sales growth of 10 to 15 percent per year is forecasted for innovative products in this field. In Germany, there are several companies operating at the forefront of the industry as regards technology; together, they serve about 25 percent of the world market. These include OSRAM and Global Light Industries, a young technology company from North Rhine-Westphalia with very good market access to the automotive segment. These companies cover the entire value-added chain for LEDs. The market driver for the white LED is currently the automotive industry, which now aims to replace the conventional headlight. Once this has been accomplished, the market for general lighting will open up, too. Example: Life sciences and nanotechnology In addition to strengthening the already strong sectors of industry, other aims of leading-edge innovations are to tap into long-term market potential at the appropriate time, create new products and services, and be the first to participate in the global sales opportunities. Future market opportunities of this kind can already be anticipated in the pharmaceutical and medical fields, hence the advisability of cross-disciplinary activity in the life sciences and nanotechnology. The biotechnology sector has been experiencing dynamic growth worldwide since the mid-90s. The USA is still the leader in the field, ahead of Europe. This edge is not a function of the number of companies involved. Instead, it is a reflection of the maturity of the sector in the USA. The German biotechnology scene can now likewise point to many innovative biotechnology companies that have successfully positioned themselves on the international market. Of the 4,300 biotechnology companies around the world, 360 are located in Germany. These are predominantly small and medium-sized companies with fewer than 50 employees. The biotechnology sector is characterised by large investments in R&D. In 2002, the roughly 600 listed companies, which operate mainly in the field of red biotechnology, invested approximately US $22 billion in R&D and had total sales of US $45 billion. The biotechnology sector has come to be viewed as an engine of innovation for the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic articles with the help of which the large pharmaceutical companies, too, will be able to fill their product pipelines and expand their product portfolios. In order to encourage a similarly successful take-off for nanotechnology, the founding of innovative start-ups and the growth of these companies must be promoted at an early stage. The BMBF will support this process with supporting measures. The integration of small and medium-sized nanotechnology firms into value-added chains not only makes an essential contribution to technology transfer, however. It also makes it possible to tap into new fields and markets with a high potential to generate added value. Leading-edge innovation: Nano for Life The aim of the leading-edge innovation Nano for Life is to make a decisive contribution to the health of society through the increased use of technologies and insights from the fields of nanomaterials research and nanobiotechnology.

35 33 This requires, on the one hand, a strengthening of the growing nanotechnology sector in Germany, the innovative power of which depends to a great extent on research-intensive SMEs. These small and medium-sized companies can aptly fill specific niches in the early phase of value-added chains that focus on the development of medical products and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the sectors in Germany that are traditionally strong and are relevant to the health market, such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotechnology, and material and medical engineering, can profit from the introduction of nanotechnological processes and applications by generating completely new products with considerable socio-economic utility. On account of the demographic make-up of the population and the availability of innovative new medicines, health expenses in Germany are continually rising. In 2001, these expenditures came to billion, or 10.9 percent of GDP. For the most part, experts agree that nanotechnology will open up new prospects in the development of therapeutic and diagnostic products. But its considerable potential with respect to resource conservation could also help to keep health costs down over the medium term. The availability of highly sensitive diagnostic products improves the chances of prevention and early treatment of serious illnesses. The use of DNA or protein arrays, for example, makes it possible to identify those patients who are very likely to respond to a certain medication (e.g. the use of Herceptin in the case of breast cancer). This procedure Medical technology made in Germany Source: Siemens AG not only cuts costs, it can also lead to a reduction of drug side-effects. Other examples of nanomedical applications include nanoparticles that act as drug-delivery systems, or are used for hyperthermal treatment of tumours or as vectors in gene therapy. Nanoparticles likewise play an important role in some imaging techniques used in medicine. In addition to nanoparticles, there are the interesting present-day nano-applications of biosensors and nanostructured implant coatings. Here, markets with considerable sales potential can be tapped in the short term, since the demand for artificial replacement tissue (skin, cartilage and bone), for example, far exceeds the supply of donor materials. In order to make the R&D results susceptible to broad commercial use, two essential aims are held in view in the realisation of leading-edge innovations: + Innovative developments worked out in strong sectors with specific goals in mind should also spur on other fields of application. + Inventions from one branch of industry are often the basis for revolutionary developments in other sectors. Therefore, it is important to manage information openly across multiple sectors, using the nanotechnology competence centres, for instance. Measures to support leading-edge innovations In the framework of nanotechnology projects receiving approximately 100 million per year, the BMBF will be providing increased funding in the coming years to industry-led, pre-competitive innovation projects that involve the entire valueadded chain (leading-edge innovations). The processes initiated by these leading-edge innovations will indicate paths to innovative products, services and techniques which themselves lead to new or substantially improved technical solutions with significant market potential or broad social benefit, and which clearly involve nanotechnology for their realisation. As a rule, this requires an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach and close collaboration among companies, universities and non-academic R&D institutes. It may even require European or international partnerships. Five years is considered the typical duration of a project devoted to one of these leading-edge innovations.

36 34 Creating research networks to promote innovation In the age of globalisation, it is increasingly important for technology companies to collaborate with expert research partners on pre-competitive R&D projects and to ensure that the various tasks along the value-added chain are properly coordinated at an early stage. This pooling of expertise enables companies to profit from the long-term benefits of collaborative work on innovation in the form of shorter product-development cycles, enhanced time management, shared costs and risks, and advantages in the acquisition and retention of expertise. These are also the prime factors involved in keeping existing company locations competitive, increasing the survival and growth chances of start-ups, and also creating the ideal conditions for setting up new companies. As a result, alongside traditional industrial locations, so-called competence centres with a global profile are also becoming increasingly important factors affecting a location. In line with the recent growth in activities in the field of nanotechnology worldwide, the most important industrial nations have launched enormously financed research programmes as well as initiating various networks and centre-based activities. The prime aim of such centres is to bring together scientists working in nanotechnology, or specific areas of it, as a preliminary stage to advancing to applied projects in this field. Following an initial orientation phase, the competence centres supported by the BMBF are now adopting a more regional focus in their efforts to establish ties and initiate further collaboration between science and industry. A similar trend is observable in the PR initiatives that the centres direct at schools, institutes of higher education, and chambers of commerce. The BMBF will continue to support this approach, as it offers the most effective way of kickstarting innovation, pooling interdisciplinary know-how, and informing the public at large of the benefits to society of nanotechnology. Moreover, experience in other areas shows that a local presence helps to overcome any inhibitions that Measures to support innovation The BMBF will also continue to support the existing competence centers. The emphasis will fall here on training and further training as well as on assistance with setting up new business ventures. The BMBF therefore funds, after completion of the initial phase, the secretariats pro rata for another three years on the basis of updated and more concrete development concepts. In the interest of the continued promotion of the public profile of nanotechnology in Germany, the BMBF will also create in addition to pooling expertise at the competence centres a supraregional structure designed to support innovation and accomplish those tasks that the regional networks are able to undertake only in a very limited manner: + Organisation of a regular national/international nanotechnology congress. + Maintenance of an extensive, up-to-date information system on nanotechnology. + Arranging contacts for research collaboration on the national, European and international level. + Assessment of the international growth potential of nanotechnology as well as its social consequences. + Support with the training and further training of junior and technical staff. insufficiently informed social groups and sectors of industry might harbour against new technologies. In looking to promote research networks with a regional focus, the BMBF will be making a contribution toward safeguarding German industrial and research locations in the face of international competition. High-technology companies are increasingly following the strategy of maintaining a research and development presence at whatever location in the world offers the best conditions for innovation and the generation of knowledge in their market segment. They are not satisfied with locations that simply keep up with technological progress; they specifically seek out the undisputed leading centres.

37 35 Acquiring, developing and safeguarding the fundamentals of the technical sciences Thanks to its outstanding research infrastructure (including the DFG, MPG, WGL, HGF and FhG), its numerous universities and the large range of research activities at the level of the Federal States (Länder), Germany is one of the leading countries in the field of basic nanotechnology research, also known as the nanosciences. From an early stage, researchers also started to look at related questions in the fields of physics, supramolecular chemistry and with the early development of nanobiotechnology at the relationship to biology. As a result, firm scientific foundations have already been laid for nanotechnological techniques in areas such as ultraprecision processing, optics/optoelectronics, thin film technology and analytical chemistry. Alongside the detailed basic research conducted in individual disciplines, increased interdisciplinary approaches to R&D will also expand the stock of nanotechnological expertise and pool the use of scientific resources through the creation of corresponding networks. The aim of such research is to identify, develop and consolidate at an early stage areas that promise to yield interesting applications for the future. Innovations in fundamental areas form the foundation for the future export of high-technology goods. At the end of 2001, for example, the magazine Science identified the results of an investigation into molecular nanowires as the most important research discovery of the year, as it paves the way for the development of computing capabilities that will guarantee further research breakthroughs for decades to come. In other words, nanotechnology is an enabler for other scientific advances. Measures to support basic research Basic research forms the foundation for subsequent innovations. The development of basic knowledge that is orientated toward concrete applications is therefore of great importance. This often involves crossing the boundaries that once separated individual disciplines and entering into new and untried forms of cooperation. In order to expand the stock of nanotechnological know-how and pool existing scientific resources, an interdisciplinary approach to research and development is required. Within the framework of the various collaborative projects currently in operation, the BMBF will increasingly exploit the opportunities offered by institutional support as well as integrating the requisite aspects related to basic research. Within the framework of initiatives to promote innovation, information on basic research findings in nanotechnology will therefore be exchanged on a regular basis so as to ensure that there is no conflict with the scientific support provided for non-university research establishments and the German Research Society (DFG), the aim being to boost the commercial exploitation of basic research as a central objective of research activity in this field. Nanobridge for experiments in molecular electronics Source: CFN, University Karlsruhe

38 36 Exploiting the opportunities for european and international cooperation In the age of market globalisation, an increased internationalisation of science and research is necessary. International research cooperation strengthens the strong economic relations that already exist between German companies and foreign business. Similarly, collaboration in the field of R&D and the enhanced profile of German science and research that this entails increases the attractiveness of Germany as a research and manufacturing location, which in turn creates incentives for foreign investment. In short, such international cooperation makes a significant contribution to bolstering German competitiveness. International collaboration can take a variety of forms, including bilateral cooperation on joint scientific/ technical projects with individual countries and multilateral cooperation programmes such as EUREKA and, in particular, the EU s Sixth Framework Programme ( for research, technological development and innovation. The latter aims to create a European Research Area (ERA) and, in so doing, turn Europe into the world s most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based society by One of the prime objectives of European cooperation in the area of R&D is to develop common standards. In order to be able to influence and participate in the establishment of international standards in such rapidly developing markets, a thriving R&D environment is absolutely crucial. A substantial increase in EU funds for nanotechnology in the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) was resolved with the support of the German federal government. This offers a golden opportunity for Germany to cooperate with outstanding partners from throughout Europe and boost its profile as a location for science and innovation by participating in the Networks of Excellence (NoE), the Integrated Projects (IP) and other FP6 schemes for the promotion of research and development. In particular, the Integrated Projects introduced by FP6 provide in a manner comparable to the forthcoming BMBF measures to support leading-edge innovations a suitable instrument for promoting a stronger strategic focus for European nanotechnology, with an increased emphasis to be placed on applications in areas such as healthcare and medical technology, chemistry, energy technology, optics, the integration of nanotechnology into the development of new materials and new manufacturing technologies, the development of engineering processes for nanotubes and related systems, and nanobiotechnology. In the future, it will be increasingly important to harmonise national funding with European initiatives. In turn, this means exploiting the advantages that Germany has on account of its funding system orientated towards networked, interdisciplinary, projectbased cooperation with a view to bringing about a stronger strategic alignment with European nanotechnology research. Given that national funding for nanotechno-0 logy focuses on the applied potential of this field, this will include, in particular, a greater readiness on the part of German companies and research establishments to take on a leadership role within European projects. Alongside the national contact agencies ( the competence centres could also play given the network they form a valuable role as mediator in the conception of such strategic projects. Measures to support international cooperation The BMBF has established a national contact agency in order to assist German applicants wishing to participate in projects of the Sixth Framework Programme. This agency will serve to integrate the work done by the BMBF more closely into the current efforts to establish a European Research Area. Furthermore, scientific/technical cooperation (WTZ) and bilateral projects (e.g. with France) in nanotechnology will receive increased support when they can demonstrate that they are making a concrete contribution toward the fulfilment of the stated strategic goals in this field.

39 37 Strengthening the role of SMEs Small and medium-sized enterprises are an important motor of innovation for the German economy. However, they often lack the strength to generate innovations entirely on their own and, as such, are reliant on access to all of the latest R&D results. In recent years, a group of young, innovative companies has emerged in the field of nanotechnology. Alongside the major corporations and scientific establishments, these now take on an important role in the division of work in this field. Among SMEs, the level of interest in nanotechnology is remarkably high. Indeed, well over 100 SMEs belong to one or more of the current nanotechnology networks. These young and innovative companies require support particularly with project design, systems integration, patenting and the subsequent sales and marketing of their products. They are incorporated into various networks via the BMBF collaborative funding programme and, in the case of urgent issues, can apply to the competence centres for funding for pilot projects. SMEs benefit not only from direct BMBF support for specific projects but also from other BMBF programs which help them protect their expertise and commercially exploit it (e.g. assistance with patent applications, InnoRegio, the creation of innovative regional core growth areas). At the same time, the BMBF also investigates the need for new professional qualifications based on discoveries in the field of nanotechnology, so as to help ensure that SMEs, in particular, remain competitive in the supply and use of intermediary products, in the manufacture of equipment, and in the creation of a services infrastructure. Stabilizing new companies and encouraging established ones to relocate Young companies traditionally play a very important role in new areas of technology, particularly in the early stages of the transfer of fresh scientific knowledge into the development of new products. The creation of a climate conducive to entrepreneurship in schools, institutes of higher education and research centres will help to promote the establishment of new companies in the field of nanotechnology. There are already a number of excellent schemes which can be drawn on for support in operation in this area, including the current BMBF and BMWA programmes Jugend gründet, a programme to help young entrepreneurs; EXIST ( EEF-Fonds, a program to help scientists go into business ( service-foerderung-eef.html); EXIST-Seed; BTU-Frühphase, a scheme to provide seed funding for start-ups; Measures to strengthen SMEs The BMBF views enhancing access to R&D results for SMEs and increasing their integration in this environment through greater participation in European education and research programmes as a long-term responsibility. For this reason, the BMBF has now introduced a range of measures designed to make the technical programmes on offer for SMEs even more attractive: + Introduction of clauses providing specific exceptions from industry-wide agreements to facilitate the provision of broader-based support for SMEs. +The so-called side-entry program to provide SMEs with a permanent right to apply for support, irrespective of any deadlines that might otherwise be in force. + Enhancement of the measures to ensure the transfer and diffusion of research results from the technical programs so that these reach a broad range of interested SMEs. + Further simplifications in administration (simplified credit assessment, reduction in external assessments, increased use of flat-rate figures) to reduce further the period between initial project proposal and a decision whether to grant support. +The introduction of harmonised conditions and uniform calculation procedures for all technology programmes directed at SMEs to result in further simplifications in administration. +The online processing of standard procedures when applying for funding and the introduction of the digital signature to increase the opportunities on offer to process applications and other procedures online. +The BMBF s newly established SME Advisory Office to significantly enhance the search for the appropriate funding and potential cooperation partners. + Finally, with a view to intensifying existing project work, cooperation with universities and technical colleges is to be improved in the area of applied research. These measures are from the BMBF and BMWA (Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour) initiative Innovation and Future Technologies for SMEs, which itself forms part of the federal government s campaign to promote SMEs.

40 38 UV authenticity certificate Source: Nanosolutions GmbH FUTOUR2000 ( and Power für Gründerinnen, which aids young entrepreneurs ( exist-news pdf). Not only major companies from both home and abroad but also, and in particular, newly established enterprises profit from the applied focus of nanotechnology research in Germany. Of benefit, too, are the close ties that exist between basic research and industrial R&D, as well as the good infrastructural support. The field of nanotechnology offers a good indication of the characteristics that are currently required for an attractive industrial and manufacturing location: high market demand, rigorous competition, favourable manufacturing conditions and available research expertise must all be present together. + There is now an increasing trend in the field of nanotechnology towards establishing spin-offs and startups from the higher education sector. Since the creation of competence centres for nanotechnology, the latter have assisted with the establishment of over 40 new companies. Such spin-offs from the academic world greatly enhance the rapid transfer of research results from the sphere of higher education to industry. Moreover, they operate at the cutting edge of technology and generally have direct access to R&D support in higher education. + The healthy state of R&D in Germany also favours company relocations from abroad. In knowledgeintensive areas (of which nanotechnology is undoubtedly one), foreign multinationals are often more strongly specialised abroad than in their home country, provided they can gain access to the essential basic know-how at a foreign location. At the same time, a healthy R&D environment also prevents a possible migration of domestic companies and research capacity. + Despite the positive trend of recent years, young nanotechnology companies which make up a significant portion of the German nanotechnology industry are not yet on a firm footing. The research results which these new companies look to exploit often come directly from higher education or research establishments. As such, they are generally of a theoretical nature and must first be developed over several financially hazardous years of applied research before they can be marketed, thus enabling the new company to fund itself from its own revenues. In the beginning, the majority of such companies are primarily involved in research. During this phase, it is often difficult to finance operations exclusively from venture and outside capital, since investors often consider this type of research as still too far removed from the marketability stage. In other words, young nanotechnology companies also require access to funding for their own preliminary research projects. This is the only way to ensure the successful establishment of industrial nanotechnology in Germany and that the related opportunities are properly exploited. Measures to support R&D-intensive SMEs The BMBF is to increase its support for research projects that help to put start-ups on a firm footing. This will involve a new funding announcement known as NanoChance, which aims in a manner similar to the successful BMBF initiative BioChance to help already existing companies, in the early stages, to establish themselves on the market. Within the framework of measures to support innovation, assistance will also be provided with the organisation of strategy events to coordinate essential activities involving more than one player. Furthermore, the BMBF will also fund the preparation of market analyses to help budding entrepreneurs assess their market chances. In order to provide improved support during the growth phase of young companies, the BMBF has combined its support with the existing BMWA research-funding program for SMEs and also helps entrepreneurs procure further funding with which to carry out innovation-related projects. The BMBF also aims to strengthen the network between the various players involved e.g. with the help of the competence centres.

41 39 Promoting the young and developing qualifications One of the most important factors that goes into shaping a region s economic development and thus the creation of a nanotechnology-driven industry in Germany is not only the presence of a capable scientific and economic community but also the availability of qualified workers on all levels. If the increase sought in the number of self-employed people and the quick diffusion of technologies wanted are to be achieved, then a correspondingly qualified workforce is needed. Education is thus the key to the future nanotechnology job market. Fostering young scientists Businesses know all too well that a shortage of well-trained workers can lead to bottlenecks, particularly when times are booming. And economic experts even think such shortages could act as a brake on Germany s development as a business location in the future, despite today s high unemployment rates. Increased investment in the education of young scientists is becoming a decisive pre-requisite for boosting a location s future competitiveness and thus its potential for growth and employment. The wide diffusion of optimised products or products with new functions on the basis of nanotechnological know-how will depend in large part on whether producers and users have the knowledge necessary to produce and apply nanotechnological system components. Nanotechnology s inter-disciplinary nature and rapid development pose a particular challenge to the education system and students, particularly in terms of courses, instruction modules and creation of new degree programs as well as the teaching and learning of teamwork, and language and media expertise. Some individual universities and technical colleges are already addressing these issues by offering courses tailored to nanotechnological disciplines, or are in the course of organizing such courses. Nanotechnology vs. the brain drain With the reform of the law relating to employment in higher education, the introduction of junior professorships and the consistent expansion of German institutes, colleges and universities, the BMBF is supporting the modernisation and internationalisation of the higher education system. In future, nanotechnology will not be the only field where there will be competition for top performers and excellent scientists. The only way to boost the attractiveness of Germany as a location for the international elite is through a coordinated approach on the parts of both industry and politics. An internationally attractive scientific system is vital if a country is to succeed in the worldwide competition for innovation and attract the top brains. The multiplicity and breadth of nanotechnology as a subject area which is attracting increasing investment in all high-technology countries and the sense that a new industrial era is dawning are the reasons why this race to secure the top brains has already started and will be characterised by intense competition in the coming years. Experts still have differing views on the type of concrete qualifications a person needs in order to be employed in the field of nanotechnology. Some think it is necessary to offer an interdisciplinary course on nanotechnology as part of the undergraduate phase of university education. But others view nanotechnology s interdisciplinary character as a good reason to include it as part of the more fundamental physics or chemistry program in the form of an additional course. Some have also suggested that nanotechnology should be more strongly anchored in the engineering programs offered by technical colleges. But the experts agree that an early part of the training should include cooperative partnerships with companies. It has also been suggested that a student should initially complete a foundation program that is coupled to one of the classical disciplines (physics or chemistry, for example) before beginning to focus on nanotechnology. The goal, though, is not to educate and bring together specialists who have basic

42 40 knowledge of a specific discipline. Instead, the challenge that universities and technical colleges face in the future education of nanotechnologists is how to educate a rising generation of scientists, engineers and technicians to be versed in physics, chemistry and biology as well as engineering, production technology and quality control. Just such an education will be required to master the interdisciplinary approaches vital for the conquest of nanotechnology. The BMBF also has initiated a number of activities aimed at modernizing and strengthening the education and professional-training systems, and raising the appeal of Germany for young scientists, be they German or foreign. These activities include post-graduate scholarships, the DFG s Emmy Noether Programme ( emmy-noether-programm.html), the BioFuture Programme ( the creation of junior professorships, the university future initiative (ZIH) and the fledgling effort to create internationally recognised academic degrees (bachelor s and master s). In this connection, international activities will have a major role to play, creating contacts with research partners in other countries at an early stage and enhancing the attractiveness of Europe as a research location. The funding of education and cross-border mobility therefore form a central pillar in the sixth EU Framework Programme. A total of 1.58 billion has been allocated to the Marie Curie Programme in the sixth EU Framework Programme ( to support, among other projects, the research activities of postdoctoral students, the creation of research teams with excellent young scientists and the education of natural scientists on the basis of joint research projects ( research education networks ) in an effort to improve knowledge transfers between universities and the business community. These opportunities must be consistently utilized in nanotechnological research in order to attract the world s best minds. Measures to support young scientists To strengthen all of these efforts, the BMBF created a program called Junior Researcher Competition Nanotechnology in May It will give up to 250 scientists the chance to receive large amounts of funding to conduct their own research into scientifically and technically related disciplines over a period of five years. Besides the goals just mentioned, the competition will permeate the participating fundamental disciplines and the engineering sciences, giving fresh momentum to the development and use of nanotechnology. In addition, top young scientists who have left Germany are to be encouraged to return home. Source: BergerhofStudios, Cologne

43 41 Nano-Roadshow in Germany Source: Flad & Flad Communication GmbH Identifying qualification needs and developing expertise at an early stage New technologies such as nanotechnology require new knowledge and skills. In future, employees will spend more and more of their professional lives working with nanotechnological methods and promoting their development in an effort to create added value from them. As a result, companies are increasingly seeking correspondingly higher qualifications. This means that additional importance will be placed not only on a top university education but also on life-long learning and professional training. Both active research institutes and their employees as well as entrepreneurs in research-intensive sectors of business will depend on such qualified staff members. In particular, attention should be focused on the training of master craftsmen and technicians. After all, they are the ones in the researchintensive manufacturing industry who often become selfemployed college graduates tend more likely to start companies in the knowledge-intensive services area. Early recognition of professional qualification needs can thwart any potential shortage of skilled employees. Today, though, no one knows for sure what type of jobs nanotechnology will entail. As a result, the German Ministry of Education and Research has initiated detailed studies of the nanotechnological content currently offered for professional education and development and of the qualifications required. Strategies to increase the acceptance of professional development training make sense because only 10% of employees, averaged over all current technological fields, take advantage of further training opportunities. One substantial contribution to strengthening Germany s competitive position in the nanotechnological field is the definition at an early stage of the new professions or the upgrading of present jobs and the additional qualifications needed for nanotechnological processes as well as the development of the necessary education and training programs. This effort should also strive to awaken interest in the natural sciences and this encompasses the aim of increasing the number of women in engineering or technical professions and college programmes as well early in the schools. The nanotechnological centres commissioned by the BMBF have already begun to address the issues and are organizing such events as Nanoscience Nights for young students and training sessions for teachers to show early on what sort of professional prospects lie ahead. Measures to support education and professional development The BMBF has commissioned a study to determine how suitable the subject of nanotechnology is for education and professional development. The study is focusing on industry s qualification needs and the possible action that must be taken as a result of them in order to identify trend qualifications that will be important to future strategies aimed at modernizing current skilled professions.

44 42 Using opportunities for the good of society while avoiding risks As a far-reaching basic technology that touches on a wide range of areas of society including engineering, health, individuality and communication nanotechnology also requires analysis in terms of innovation and technology. Efforts running parallel to technological development must examine possible social and environmental consequences in order to develop options for action in terms of the socially desired use of nanotechnology. Evaluating the social consequences The somewhat visionary expectations associated with the design potential for creating entirely new materials and products at the atomic and molecular levels require an early public discussion of the question: What sort of effect could these new technologies have on the lives of people and the economy of Germany? This is why the German Ministry of Education and Research is promoting a dialogue among researchers, users and society about the opportunities and risks associated with nanotechnology. It has also commissioned several studies that are designed to deliver in-depth Nanocubes for hydrogen storage Source: BASF AG information that can be used to evaluate the economic potential and the socio-ecologic opportunities and risks. In particular, the studies are designed to provide the major players in the nanotechnology field with the numbers and arguments that will support the further assessment of nanotechnology: + One study on the economic potential of nanotechnology is discussing current and possible future products created through nanotechnology, and evaluate their market potential. These findings could serve as a decision-making basis for political arguments related to the support of nanotechnology and for investors. But the experts conducting the study face one methodological difficulty: Although individual nanotechnological components in many products are needed to ensure marketplace success, the products cannot necessarily be counted as nanotechnological when viewed as total systems. A good example here is a computer hard disk drive. The layer composition of the write-read head depends on ultra-thin films. But no one would consider describing the entire hard disk as a nanotechnological product. This leverage effect of nanotechnology is difficult to quantify and that is a key reason for the widely differing current assessments of its market and employment potential.

45 43 + Nanotechnology s potential contribution to sustainable development is widely considered to be high. As a key technology of the 21st century, it could play an important role in helping to boost the economy and improve the environment. To date, scientific literature has discussed nanotechnology s environmental impact only in rudimentary terms while science fiction sometimes describes it in terms of a threat scenario. Quantitative assessments have not yet been made. A study commissioned by the BMBF has been designed to provide concrete empirical and quantitative data that will allow experts to scientifically evaluate the environmental opportunities and risks associated with nanotechnology for the first time. The aims are, firstly, to pinpoint nanotechnology s potential effects in terms of sustainability/environment as broadly as possible and, secondly, to quantify these effects as far as possible by citing selected, relevant examples of nanotechnological uses or products. + A separate study is focusing on nanotechnology s uses in medicine and health care. Nanotechnology is opening up new avenues in the development of innovative therapies and diagnoses. The health-care and socio-economic section of the study highlights nanotechnology s future social and economic potential in these areas. Potential applications include implants with nanostructured surfaces, specific drug-delivery systems or nanoparticles for medical imaging processes or particle-based hyperthermal procedures. Contacting with nerve cells Source: Siemens AG Measures to support the discussion about opportunities and risks The BMBF will play an active role in directing a scientific/technological and social dialogue about the environmental, health, social and political aspects of nanotechnology. In particular, it will provide interested citizens with facts and figures as well as information about the technical and economic opportunities of individual areas and their recognizable risks. Based on the findings of these studies and on work initiated by the European Commission as part of the sixth EU Framework Programme, other research activities will be undertaken in order to provide political leaders with concrete recommendations for action.

46 44 Developing legal guidelines At the moment, no one sees any need to introduce regulations or additional laws covering nanotechnology. But, within the framework of the socially relevant studies it has commissioned, the BMBF is taking a close look at current conditions regarding the use of nanotechnological products and processes. After all, it is the responsibility of the national research policy to ensure a high-level of protection for people and the environment, and to review relevant laws and regulations governing emission, labour and dust protection in as far as they apply to nanotechnological processes. Particularly when nanotechnological applications and processes are applied to humans, it is crucial to examine whether the relevant conditions laid down by biomedical legislation are applicable or to what extent the legislative framework requires further development with respect to issues concerning safety and ethics. Besides the discussion on the opportunities and risks presented by the use of nanotechnological techniques, the basic conditions governing the utilization of the results need to be optimised. Special standardisation processes play a major role in the diffusion of the results of innovation. Particularly in the area of nanotechnology where the focus is on new size ranges, more sensitive process and verification management, and new functions international competitiveness depends heavily on the ability to compare product characteristics. International standards also do much to intensify world trade. Only those who successfully conduct R&D and do not shut themselves off from international activities can have an impact on industrial standards and shape standards in a manner that promotes innovation. Patent activities are an essential part of the effort to establish a strong competitive presence and a position of technological strength. Fundamental patents that grow out of innovative research serve as serious proof of accomplishment and win international respect. Particularly in the area of nanotechnology, a field filled with potential for discoveries, patents are a necessity for survival. Measures to support basic conditions The BMBF plans to increasingly support those cooperative efforts whose goal is to develop standards for nanotechnological manufacturing processes and characteristic values for surface coatings, layers, particles and chemical compositions. The opportunities offered by the large European domestic market must be explored and strategic alliances established with other economic regions. The first of the standardisation tasks that accompany developmental activities will address the areas of analysis and metrology. In this regard, the BMBF is funding a collaborative project in which recommendations for processes capable of being calibrated are being compiled and discussed as part of international collaborative work. The BMBF will also include necessary standardization activities in the funding programme as part of other projects. The ministry will also increasingly insist that existing patent utilisation opportunities should be exploited. A review will also be conducted into the question of whether a strategic patent initiative is necessary in areas that have high market potential or a pivotal character.

47 45 Evaluation Evaluations are being planned for the individual programmes that contribute to the promotion concept called Nanotechnology conquers Markets. These evaluations will be overseen by the appropriate departments responsible for the respective measure (leadingedge innovations, for instance). A comprehensive evaluation of the funding concept for nanotechnology will be compiled from the individual reviews and presented at the beginning of Source: BergerhofStudios Köln

48 46 Appendix Appendix Examples of objectives for the application of nanotechnology by relevant sector Automotive + Sensor-based immobilisers (theft, alcohol content,...) + Omnifunctional sensorics (acceleration, air pressure, tyre wear, temperatures, gases,...) + Scratch-proof plastic slides + Multifunctional coatings (design, heat-reflecting, easy-toclean, self-healing) + Switchable adhesives (also for aircrafts, trains,...) + Route planning (support by powerful I&C systems) + Switchable surfaces and background lighting (adaptive materials with switchable feel, look, passive-active characteristics) + Lightweight load-bearing and structural components, intelligent damping elements, low-friction bearings and running elements (also for faster vehicles with energysaving drives) + Fuel-cell systems (membranes, storage tanks,...) + Low-wear, super-high-grip tyres + Energy-saving, powerful lighting elements with high lifetime and reliability (LED-based) + Minimization of friction + Drive by wire Chemicals/pharmaceuticals/medicine + Preventive medical diagnostics (e.g. breath analysis, SNP analysis) + Long-period release pharmaceutical implants (active agent systems with sensors) + Gene vectors for gene therapy + New methods of combating cancer (nanoparticles as delivery system or active elements) + Safe tanning (sun protection with sensors, intelligent detectors for UV-A and UV-B) + Artificial tissue/organ functions (nanostructured implant surfaces, supporting frameworks, (artificial muscles,)...) + High-resolution imaging processes with minimum patient discomfort + Functional clothing (body function sensors, sweatabsorbing cyclodextrins, perfume dispensers, medication dispensers (neurodermatitis),...) + Programmable materials (from soft to hard, from transparent to absorbent, reflecting, diffusive, switchable electrical properties, self-organizing,...) + Membranes for waste gas purification (chemical reactors, coal-fired power stations,...) + Cosmetics with reduced health risks and optimised feel (nanosphere cremes,...) + Nanoparticulate stabilised vitamins (core/shell + colour) + Superabsorbers + Catalysts Optics + Lighting technology with optoelectronic components (e.g. high-efficiency white light sources based on LEDs, all colours (e.g. for traffic lights, automobile lights,...)) + Application of optoelectronic components in consumer electronics (DVD, laser TV,...) + Data recording (DVD, CD) with nanostructures + Display elements with nanostructured components + Optics with functional layers (photoelectrochromic sunglasses with UV absorbers, scratch-resistant plastic optics,...) + Nanoparticles for photographic films + X-ray optics

49 47 I&C technologies/electronics Food + Data transmission and processing with high data density and speed for highest-scale integration technologies + Global, individual world of information and experience + New types of lightweight, energy-saving and highresolution displays + Portable I&C switching centres (cf. a watch, body electronics) + Multifunction equipment (e.g. mobile with integrated digital camera, alcohol sensors, digital house key, timer/ planer,...) + Economic mass production of nanostructured polymer electronics (high-performance disposable electronics, identity sticks for following processes from production to recycling, chips from the roll, DNA labels, ) + Completely digitalized home electronics miniaturised to fit inside the furniture and capable of operation by voice command + Large-area, three-dimensional image display for simulators and consumer electronics + Completely electronic universal translator as handset (Babel fish) + Versatile warning and assistance systems in vehicles digital copilot Biotechnology + Wearable biochips, lab-on-a-chip, or other test systems for individual diagnostics (forensics, allergy characteristics, preventative medicine, laboratory use) + New DNA sequencing process (nanopore sequencing) + Improved microscopy process (AFM) + Directed manipulation of cellular structures + New methods of transfection (gene transfer) + Systems for cell banks (microsystems technology with nanoanalytics and non-volatile data storage) + Neuroprosthetics + Data stores, optical and optoelectronic components on a biomolecular basis + Biomolecules for certificates of authenticity + Biocatalysts for low-waste production of chemical products + Cellular machines on a biological basis (visionary as autonomous systems) + DNA labels, markers + Membranes (from S-layers,...) + Sensory, transparent packaging (indicates freshness) with reduced permeability. + Nanoparticals in food (colours, thickening agents, additives, sensors for poisons,...) + Membranes for water purification (nanotube systems for desalinisation, membranes for filtering,...) + Plastic packaging with guarantee of food freshness (gastight, light PET bottles) Energy sector + Cheap solar cells (dye-sensitised, possibly low efficiency, but high price/performance ratio) + Efficient, compact energy stores (nanoparticle capacitors with fast charge-discharge characteristic) + Independence from petroleum sector Construction sector + Intelligent facades (multifunctional and switchable, e.g. photoelectrochromic coatings, heat-regulating, light conductive, useable as lighting and display surfaces,...) + dirt-repellent, or also antibacterial surfaces (e.g. kitchen furniture, sanitary goods,...) + Transparent protective coatings for steel, copper,... + Heating systems (ceramics as components, membranes for fuel cells, ) + Photovoltaics (TiO2 surfaces, Grätzel cells,...) + Lightweight construction materials with maximum heat insulation (aerogels, polymer composites, fire-protection walls, nanoencapsulated latent heat stores...) Leisure + Ski wax + Sports shoes + Leisure clothing + Tennis rackets + Strong sporting equipment of all types

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