A nanotechnology report has been presented to UK Government and industry to provide recommendations that will help UK nanotechnology companies.

The report by the Nanotechnology Mini-Innovation and Growth Team (Mini-IGT) was launched at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Conference Centre, London, on 14 January. Nanotechnology: A UK Industry View evaluates the UK against competitors in relation to funding and considers a strategic approach to the commercialisation of nanotechnology-based products, looking ahead to what the UK could achieve by 2020.

The report has been prepared on behalf of industry to provide a market wide view of what is needed to make UK nanotechnology-based industries successful. It was created following the Government's announcement that the UK would develop a strategy in this area.

Recommendations are grouped under policy and regulation, funding, skills, and engagement. The main proposal is that BIS leads and coordinates activities across Government to ensure investment is put to good use. More accessible and commercially focused funding should be provided to SMEs as well as larger companies who develop nanotechnology-based products to support innovation, says the report.

Further information

Nanotechnology: A UK Industry View can be downloaded from www.nanoktn.com or www.materialsktn.net.

Contact Alex Kenchington, tel: 01962 888100.