Commission launches nanotech report

The European Commission has published a policy report outlining the developments and aspirations of nanotechnology research in the EU.

The publication, entitled ‘Nanotechnology: the invisible giant tackling Europe’s future challenges’ provides a brief insight to some of the most successful projects funded under the Seventh Framework Programme.

According to the document, a total of 1,400 projects were funded by the EU between 2007 and 2011, with the majority (560) supporting the training of researchers under the Marie Curie Actions. A total of 296 projects also received funding under the European Research Council, followed by a further 238 projects in Nanotechnologies, Materials and new Production Technologies. Other sub-sectors receiving funding include health, energy and ICT.

Writing in the report, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said Europe was facing an ‘innovation crisis’. However, she said by building a Knowledge Economy, Europe would succeed on the international stage.

“Knowledge is the currency of the global economy. If Europe wants to continue to compete in the 21st Century, we must support the research and innovation that will generate growth and jobs, now and in the future,” the Commissioner said.

The Key Enabling Technology received €896m under FP7. This is set to rise to an estimated €3bn under the next framework programme, Horizon 2020.