Regional, State, and Local Initiatives in Nanotechnology Workshop Report (2009)

This report on Regional, State, and Local (RSL) Initiatives in Nanotechnology is the result of a topical workshop convened 1–3 April 2009 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, by the Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on Technology.

The goal of the Workshop on RSL Initiatives in Nanotechnology was to improve the outcomes of nanotechnology research, education, and business activities undertaken by U.S. organizations working to advance nanotechnology, such as small and large businesses, universities, research and education foundations, industry groups, and nongovernmental organizations. The strategy for reaching this goal is to exploit synergies between the various initiatives, promote sharing of information and resources, and develop ongoing mechanisms for relevant interactions.

The specific objectives of the workshop were to:
■ Exchange information and stimulate collaboration between the workshop participants
■ Explore mechanisms to better link the NNI and regional, state, and local initiatives
■ Explore the roles of Federal, regional, state, and local entities in nanotechnology transfer, education and training, and economic development
■ Identify common goals and objectives among the initiatives
■ Identify paths forward to enhance the effectiveness of the initiatives through collaboration, information
exchange, and resource sharing