In January 2000 then President Clinton surprised the international community by announcing the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). The creation of this program catalyzed a vast, world-wide effort in research and development on nanoscience and nanotechnology. The initial report "Nanotechnology Research Directions: Vision for Nanotechnology in the next decade" (Springer, 2000, an official document of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) provided a strategic perspective and motivation. In preparation of that document, I consulted and informed leading science organizations, including Lanyi Szabolcs steering the Romanian council of science and technology at that moment. The workshop on nanoscale science at the Romanian Academy held in 2000 few days after announcing the NNI is a sign of our common, global scientific challenges.  One may see in the attached 2000 report [1] that the long-term targets have proven valid and mostly have been realized and few exceeded. After ten years, the NNI vision stands the test of time, as suggested by the continuing and dynamic NNI program annually approved by the President and Congress. Attached summaries of the NNI investment after five years [2] and in fiscal year 2010 [3] are two data points to illustrate this. 

            Besides the anecdotal news that almost each week a new nanoscale science breakthrough or a spin-off discipline or technology is announced, one may look at five key indicators that have annual global growth rates for of approximately 25% since 2000. They are the number of researchers and workers in the field, the number of archival publications, number of patents, R&D budgets and markets of products and medical services including nanotechnology.  In 2010, there are new R&D discovery and innovation opportunities. Romania scientific community is recognized for its depth and creativity, and this vast filed of opportunities that were not possible only few years ago. This Romania Academy workshop, ten years after the first meeting with a similar theme, may be a starting moment for an inspiring plan. I wish you full success in this endeavor.  

With high consideration and friendship,

Mihail Roco
National Science Foundation
Key architect of the National Nanotechnology Initiative

January 24, 2010

Attachments

   1.  Roco, M.C., Williams, S., and Alivisatos, P., 1999 and 2000: “Nanotechnology Research Directions: Vision for Nanotechnology in the Next Decade,” Springer. [...]
   2.  Roco, M.C., "National Nanotechnology Initiative - Past, Present, Future", Handbook on Nanoscience, Engineering and Technology, 2nd ed., Taylor and Francis, 2007, pages 3.1-3.26 [...]
   3. Roco, MC., "National Nanotechnology Investment in the FY 2010 Budget", American Association for Advancement of Science Report on U.S. R&D in FY 2010, Washington, D.C., June 2009, 227-237. [...]