CRS Issues Nanotechnology Policy Primer

A new report from the public policy research arm of the U.S. Congress
provides an overview of federal research and development (R & D)
in nanotechnology; environmental, health and safety concerns; and
U.S. competitiveness in the field. According to the Congressional
Research Service, Congress has appropriated nearly $21.8 billion
for nanotechnology R & D since the inception of the National
Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in 2000, and President Barack Obama
(D) has requested $1.4 billion in NNI funding for FY2017.

“Proponents assert that nanotechnology has the potential to bring
revolutionary products to market, reshaping existing industries and
creating new ones,” concludes the report. “These products may bring
significant economic and social benefits to the United States and to the
world; however, substantial research, development, and innovation.

Issue 610