Netherlands

Nanotechnology science and engineering in the Netherlands builds on research and development (R&D) areas of physics, supramolecular chemistry, life sciences, and electronics. Acknowledging the national importance of nanotechnology, the Dutch government funded a public-private partnership: NanoNed. Scientists within the NanoNed network have achieved positive results in terms of patents and publications. Science and government prepared for the next phase: translating research into innovation, and dealing with emerging social issues, most obviously the uncertainty about the safety of nanomaterials. At the end of 2009, this led to the Netherlands Nano Initiative (NNI) and the launch of a societal dialogue on nanotechnology. Both events comprise important milestones in anticipating nanotechnology's impact on science and society.