The National Nanotechnology Initiative: Overview, Reauthorization, and Appropriations Issues

Nanotechnology-a term encompassing the science, engineering, and applications of submicron materials-involves the harnessing of unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoscale substances in fundamentally new and useful ways. The economic and societal promise of nanotechnology has led to investments by governments and companies around the world. In 2000, the United States launched the world's first national nanotechnology program. From FY2001 through FY2014, the federal government invested approximately $19.4 billion in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology through the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). President Obama has requested $1.5 billion in NNI funding for FY2015. U.S. companies and state governments have invested billions more. The United States has, in the view of many experts, emerged as a global leader in nanotechnology, though the competition for global leadership is intensifying as countries and companies around the world increase their investments.

Author: Congressional Research Service

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Publication Date: Jun 22, 2015

Number of Pages: 76 pages

Binding: Paperback or Softback

ISBN-10: 1512250155

ISBN-13: 9781512250152