International Cooperation on Responsible Development of Nanotechnology
NNI agencies and representatives participate in many international activities, including bilateral and multilateral cooperative programs, monitoring of foreign nanotechnology R&D, and promotion of the trade and commercial interests of the United States. Cooperation and collaboration with other nations on nanoscale science and technology R&D, particularly in pre-competitive and non-competitive research areas, can further the progress of the NNI while helping our international partners achieve their own goals. The United States seeks to foster mutually beneficial relationships with other countries, in order to establish a framework for the safe, secure, and responsible use of nanotechnology worldwide.
In keeping with the NNI goal of supporting responsible development of nanotechnology, international environmental, safety and security concerns surrounding the use of nanotechnology-enabled products are appropriately addressed by the global scientific community and relevant regulatory agencies. Effective communication among scientists, regulators, policy makers, consumers, industrial leaders, and othe rstakeholders also will be enhanced by cooperation with international partners. The development of a healthy global marketplace for nanotechnology products and ideas will require the establishment of consumer confidence, common approaches to nanotechnology environmental, health, and safety issues, efficient and effective regulatory schemes, and equitable trade rpacies for nanotechnology, not just in the United States, but worldwide.
The NSET Subcommittee's Global Issues in Nanotechnology (GIN) Working Group coordinates international activities in nanotechnology, monitors foreign nanotechnology programs, and seeks to broaden international cooperation and communication with respect to nanotechnology R&D. The working group has representatives from all Federal agencies that have active nanotechnology R&D programs as well as from numerous agencies that have oversight roles in international affairs.