Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee - Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: an Action Plan for Europe 2005-2009. Second Implementation Report 2007-2009 {SEC(2009)1468}
Date: 2009-10-29
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU financing, EU research policy, action programme, consumer protection, environmental protection, industrial policy, innovation, international cooperation, nanotechnology, research and development

EN 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 29.10.2009 
COM(2009)607 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE 

Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: An action plan for Europe 2005-2009. Second 
Implementation Report 2007-2009 

{SEC(2009)1468} 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL, THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE 

Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: An action plan for Europe 2005-2009. Second 
Implementation Report 2007-2009 

Nanotechnology1 currently underpins many practical applications and has the potential further 
to  enhance  quality  of  life  and  environmental  protection,  and  boost  Europe’s  industrial 
competitiveness.  Knowledge  in  the  field  of  nanosciences  and  the  industrial  application  of 
nanotechnologies has gradually increased, most noticeably over the last 10 to 20 years. The 
“integrated, safe and responsible approach” proposed by the European Commission in 20042 
has been agreed by stakeholders and is now the core of the EU’s nanotechnology policy. The 
Nanotechnology  Action  Plan  2005-20093  has  provided  an  impetus  for  a  variety  of 
developments,  in  research  and  innovation  as  well  as  in  policy  making.  After  the  first  two 
years  of  the  Action  Plan,  progress  in  almost  every  area  was  identified  in  the  First 
Implementation Report.4 

This Communication outlines the key developments during 2007-2009 in each policy area of 
the  Action  Plan,  identifies  current  challenges,  and  draws  conclusions  relevant  to  the  future 
European  nanotechnology  policy.  Where  appropriate,  for  the  sake  of  completeness  and 
continuity,  developments  in  preceding  years  are  included.  Detailed  supporting  information 
can be found in the accompanying Staff Working Document. 

As  a  general  remark,  the  past  two  years  have  seen  a  substantial  development  of 
nanotechnology,  supported  by  a  further  growth  in  research  funding  and  the  active 
development  of  policy.  Novel  applications  and  products  of  nanotechnology  are  constantly 
being  realised.  In  view  of  this,  efforts  to  address  societal  and  safety  concerns  must  be 
continued to ensure the safe and sustainable development of nanotechnology. 

1. 

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION: EUROPE NEEDS 
KNOWLEDGE 

Bringing  together  public  and  private  organisations  across  Europe  to  carry  out  collaborative 
research and development is of particular importance in the interdisciplinary approach needed 
in nanotechnology. 

1 

2 
3 

4 

In  this  report,  “nanotechnology”  is  used  as  short  for  nanosciences  and  nanotechnologies.  Although 
several  definitions  exist,  as  a  working  definition  used  here,  nanotechnology  is  the  understanding  and 
control of matter and processes at the nanoscale, typically, but not exclusively, below 100 nanometres 
in one or more dimensions, where the onset of size-dependent phenomena can emerge and enable novel 
applications. 
Towards a European Strategy for Nanotechnology, COM(2004)338 
Nanosciences and nanotechnologies: An action plan for Europe 2005-2009, COM(2005)243; hereafter 
“Action Plan” 
Nanosciences  and  Nanotechnologies:  An  action  plan  for  Europe  2005-2009.  First  Implementation 
Report 2005-2007, COM(2007)505 

EN 

2 

   EN 

 
                                                 
Support  for  nanotechnology  research  under  the  Community’s  Framework  Programmes  has 
continued  to  grow,  from  EUR  1.4  billion  in  the  four-year  period  2003-2006,  to  more  than 
EUR 1.1 billion in the two-year period 2007-2008. Further growth is expected in the years up 
to  the  end  of  the  7th  Research  Framework  Programme  (FP7)  in  2013.  This  investment  is 
complemented by significant public funding in Member States, to the tune of more than EUR 
2.5  billion  in  2007-2008.  Private  funding,  however,  still  lagged  behind  public  funding  in 
Europe.  At  the  same  time,  funding  was  increasing  rapidly  in  other  parts  of  the  world,  and 
dynamic new players were coming on the scene. 

The  Community  funding  covered  a  very  wide  spectrum,  from  fundamental  nanoscience  to 
industrial  applications,  with  an  increasing  emphasis  on  applications.  Much  of  this  funding 
came  from  the  cross-thematic  approaches  developed  in  FP7,  as  nanotechnologies  have  an 
interdisciplinary and enabling character and can contribute to different industrial sectors and 
policy  objectives  in  health,  food,  environment,  energy  and  transport.  The  industrial 
participation  in  projects  is  gradually  increasing,  having  reached  40  %.5  The  Commission  is 
also  directly  engaged  in  nanotechnology  research  through  its  Joint  Research  Centre  (JRC), 
whose activities are directly linked to a number of related policy areas. 

This short Communication cannot do justice to the wealth of results that are being obtained 
through EU-funded nanotechnology projects. Details are presented in the accompanying Staff 
Working Document. Some examples of applications can nonetheless be outlined: 

–  In  nanoelectronics,  the  miniaturisation  of  semiconductor  components  enables  ever  more 
powerful computers and other digital devices. Even smaller devices now seem possible via 
novel “bottom-up” techniques.  

–  In nanomedicine, devices based on “nanobiological” sensors are being developed, for the 
early diagnosis of common diseases like cardiovascular diseases and cancers. It also seems 
possible to selectively target drugs to diseased cells, thereby minimising the negative side 
effects  of  these  drugs  in  other  areas  of  the  body;  and  to  use  engineered  tissues  for 
regenerative medicine. 

–  In pilot line projects, some of the most promising laboratory results are being turned into 
industrial  applications,  not  only  to  produce  new  materials  but  also  to  improve  industrial 
sustainability.  

–  In  the  field  of  energy,  more  efficient  and  less  costly  solar  cells  are  being  developed. 
Thermoelectric  converters  could  furthermore  recover  heat,  from  internal  combustion 
engines for example, which would otherwise be wasted. 

–  In water remediation, nanotechnology is showing the way to more effective and less costly 

methods. 

Whilst fundamental nanoscience and enabling research must not be neglected, it is appropriate 
that the funding from the Cooperation part of the Framework Programme should increasingly 
target  nanotechnology  research  that  offers  realistic  short-  to  medium-term  prospects  of 
producing benefits and safe products, in fields such as health, environment and energy, and of 
improving  industrial  competitiveness.  To  ensure  this,  an  Advisory  Group  on  Industrial 

5 

In  terms  of  the  number  of  different  participations,  in  the  nanotechnology  projects  funded  under  the 
NMP theme of FP7 in 2007 and 2008 

EN 

3 

   EN 

 
                                                 
Nanotechnologies  has  been  created  to  provide  further  assistance  in  the  setting  of  research 
priorities.  This  complements  the  Expert  Advisory  Groups  of  FP7  and  the  contributions  of 
relevant  European  Technology  Platforms.  Furthermore,  project  clusters  are  being  created  in 
order to consolidate results. 

Naturally, priorities need to be set with regard to different areas of nanotechnology research. 
The  Community  funding  cannot  cover  all  needs,  and  the  public  funding  from  Member  and 
Associated States, currently accounting for roughly three quarters of the total public funding 
in this area, is equally vital. It is also essential that the public funding be complemented by 
increasing private investment. 

The Community funding for research on risk assessment and management (including methods 
and  instrumentation)  has  continued  to  grow,  from  EUR  25  million  in  the  four-year  period 
2003-2006,  to  more  than  EUR  50  million  in  the  two-year  period  2007-2008.  This  figure, 
roughly 5 % of the total nanotechnology funding, is supplemented by the research on safety 
built into projects that are closer to applications; and the support  work  on ethical, legal and 
societal  issues.  The  main  areas  addressed  include  nanomaterial  characterisation,  effects  on 
human  health,  exposure  and  environmental  impacts.  Progress  has  been  made,  notably  in 
characterisation and toxicology: 

–  A number of methods to characterise nanoparticles have been validated, and new reference 
nanomaterials  can  now  be  used  by  laboratories  to  improve  and  demonstrate  their 
proficiency in this field of metrology. 

–  In the field of toxicology, award-winning research is improving the understanding of the 

interactions between nanoparticles and the human body.  

The EU Scientific Committees have stressed the need for further research on safety for human 
health  and  the  environment.  The  Commission  intends  both  to  enhance  and  to  consolidate 
these efforts in cooperation with Member States, industry and international organisations. 

2. 

INFRASTRUCTURE AND EUROPEAN POLES OF EXCELLENCE 

Innovative  nanotechnology  necessitates  research  infrastructures  with  critical  mass  and 
interdisciplinary character, together with technology transfer mechanisms, to progress beyond 
research towards industrial innovation. 

The Commission has continued to support nanotechnology infrastructures by funding access 
to existing facilities and the development of new facilities. Moreover, in the past two years, 
several  FP6  Networks  of  Excellence  have  led  to  “durable  integration”  in  the  shape  of  new 
institutes and virtual infrastructures, such as the European Theoretical Spectroscopy Facility 
(ETSF). 

It  is  encouraging  to  note  the  efforts  of  several  Member  States  in  creating  or  expanding 
research  infrastructures  addressing  nanotechnology.  Notable  amongst  these  are  PRINS,  a 
distributed facility for nanostructures involving Belgian, German and French centres close to 
the  nanoelectronics  industry;  the  new  International  Iberian  Nanotechnology  Laboratory  in 
Braga;  the  French  initiative  to  create  “nanotechnology  integration  centres”  in  Grenoble, 

EN 

4 

   EN 

 
Saclay  and  Toulouse;  and  the  Gennesys6  initiative  bringing  together  European  neutron  and 
synchrotron facilities for research in nanotechnology applications. 

3. 

INTERDISCIPLINARY HUMAN RESOURCES: EUROPE NEEDS 
CREATIVITY 

Progress in nanotechnology depends on a skilled workforce and interdisciplinary approaches, 
which  necessitate  a  departure  from  more  traditional  education  and  training  schemes.  It  is 
reported7 that industrial players consider the lack of appropriate human resources one of the 
major  obstacles  to  innovation.  Training  activities  in  nanotechnology  have  continued  to  be 
funded  by  the  Commission,  mainly  through  the  Marie  Curie  actions  of  the  “People” 
programme, which provided a total of EUR 125 million to nanotechnology projects in 2007-
2008.  Other  projects,  most  notably  FP6  Networks  of  Excellence  and  some  European 
Technology Platforms, have made significant contributions to training. All these contributions 
have  emphasised  interdisciplinary  approaches  and  the  transfer  of  results  from  academia  to 
industry.  A  further  contribution  to  nanotechnology,  around  EUR  80  million  in  2007-2008, 
came from the European Research Council (ERC) implementing the “Ideas” programme. This 
offers opportunities to individual teams through its investigator-driven approach, encouraging 
scientists to go beyond established frontiers of knowledge and the boundaries of disciplines.  

In  addition,  many  European  universities  are  creating  nanotechnology  courses  and  Masters 
Degrees. More needs to be done in the future, in quantitative terms at the very least. 

The  European  Institute  of  Innovation  and  Technology  (EIT)  may  offer  an  impetus  for 
developments in human resources and innovation.8 

4. 

INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION: FROM KNOWLEDGE TO THE MARKET 

Globalisation  has  changed  the  world’s  economy,  bringing  new  opportunities  and  new 
challenges that require Europe to become more creative and innovative. Notwithstanding the 
large  public  financing  of  European  R&D  in  nanotechnology,  the  corresponding  private 
investment  remains  low  compared  with  that  of  Europe’s  main  competitors.  And  Europe’s 
share of nanotechnology patents does not match its share of nanotechnology publications. 

The Commission has supported innovation in nanotechnology through different policies and 
actions.  The  main  initiatives  related  to  nanotechnology  include:  Increased  emphasis  on 
applications  in  the  research  funded  under  FP7;  a  continued  commitment  to  regulatory  and 
standardisation 
a  nanotechnology  observatory, 
ObservatoryNANO,9  to  study  opportunities  and  risks  in  various  technology  sectors.  In  this 
context, special attention is paid to SMEs and start-ups. 

creation  of 

activities; 

and 

the 

ENIAC,  the  Joint  Technology  Initiative  (JTI)  in  Nanoelectronics,  is  an  example  of  a 
pioneering  approach  in  pooling  private  and  public  efforts.  For  the  first  time  ever,  the 

6 
7 
8 

9 

http://gennesys.neutron-eu.net/ 
In a recent OECD-WPN study, to be published 
The  first  call  for  Knowledge  and  Innovation  Communities,  with  three  priority  areas  relevant  to 
nanotechnology, closed in August 2009; http://eit.europa.eu/kics-call.html 
www.observatorynano.eu 

EN 

5 

   EN 

 
                                                 
Community and Member States are jointly funding R&D, with a total investment of EUR 3 
billion until 2013. 

Furthermore, allocations from the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP), as well 
as  the  structural  funds  of  the  cohesion  policy,  can  contribute  to  the  development  of 
nanotechnology. 

Acceptance  of  product  and  performance  standards,  as  well  as  further  science-based 
development of new products, depends on the development of sound measurement and testing 
standards, which support product safety and quality. Over the past two years, Member States 
have  contributed  to  the  initial  development  of  nanotechnology  standards.  Furthermore,  the 
Commission and the Member States have worked jointly with ISO and CEN. In the years to 
come, further action is expected in this area.10 The Commission mandated CEN to present a 
standardisation programme and a list of proposed standards projects has been developed. This 
is currently being followed-up by a specific standardisation mandate focusing on terminology, 
characterisation of nanomaterials, and methods to assess and simulate exposure. 

Especially  at  a  time  of  economic  downturn,  a  considerable  leveraging  effort  is  needed  to 
maximise the effect of the large public investment in research and infrastructures. This “open 
innovation” approach would maintain private investment and increase it in the future. 

5. 

INTEGRATING THE SOCIETAL DIMENSION: ADDRESSING 
EXPECTATIONS AND CONCERNS 

An  essential  element  of  the  integrated,  safe  and  responsible  approach  is  to  integrate  health, 
safety and environmental aspects in the development of nanotechnology, and to establish an 
effective  dialogue  with  all  stakeholders.  Several  actions  were  undertaken  in  pursuit  of  the 
general objective of taking people’s expectations and concerns into account. 

In February 2008, the Commission adopted the recommendation for a “Code of Conduct for 
responsible  nanosciences  and  nanotechnologies  research”,11  which  provides  guidelines 
favouring a responsible and open approach. As called for by the Council in September 2008,12 
the Commission will regularly monitor the Code, and revise it every two years in order to take 
into account developments in nanotechnology and their integration in European society. 

All proposals that are considered for funding under FP7 and are ethically sensitive undergo a 
thorough ethical review. They are funded only if  they address ethical issues adequately and 
meet  the  necessary  Community  and  national  requirements  –  for  example  the  EU  Charter  of 
Fundamental  Rights.  Efforts  are  made  to  increase  the  researchers’  awareness  of  the 
Commission’s Code of Conduct. 

A  particular  requirement  in  EU  policy  relates  to  the  promotion  of  alternatives  to  animal 
testing.  The  Commission  funds  research  into  alternative  testing  methods  and  strategies  in 
partnership with industry and cooperates within OECD on this issue. The Commission’s JRC 
is also active in the development and assessment of alternative methods. 

10 
11 
12 

That is, pre- and co-normative research as well as normative action 
Code of Conduct for responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research, C(2008)424 
12959/1/08 REV 1 (2891st Council Meeting Competitiveness) 

EN 

6 

   EN 

 
                                                 
The  likely  convergence  of  nanotechnology  with  biotechnology,  information  technology  and 
cognitive sciences increases opportunities for beneficial applications, but also raises important 
questions  relating  to  ethics,  safety,  security  and  respect  for  fundamental  rights.  These  may 
need to be addressed by a new opinion of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New 
Technologies. 

Several outreach projects have been funded under FP6 and FP7. These suggest that there is a 
need  for  a  more  permanent  public  deliberation  on  nanotechnology  in  its  broad  societal 
context. The Commission has pursued an active policy of engagement and consultation with 
stakeholders, in particular through the continuous involvement of stakeholders in Commission 
working groups in charge of coordinating the implementation of regulation; and in the annual 
Nanotechnology “Safety for Success Dialogue” workshops. Public dialogue and engagement 
have also been undertaken at national level. 

The  call  for  dialogue  and  engagement  in  the  Action  Plan  has  also  been  reflected  in  various 
other initiatives organised by European Technology Platforms and in special interest forums 
such as industry and consumers’ groups. The existence of diverse forums indicates a need to 
monitor the debates at national, European and international levels, for instance with support 
from  future  FP7  activities,  in  order  consistently  to  convey  messages  from  public  debates  to 
policy makers. On 10 September 2009, the Commission organised a scientific hearing on the 
risk assessment of nanotechnologies.13 

The Commission has published a wide range of informative material in many languages and 
for various age groups. And a specific entry for nanotechnology on the Commission’s Europa 
website helps the public to follow all its nanotechnology activities. 

6. 

HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSUMER PROTECTION 

Nanotechnology  products  must  comply  with  the  high  levels  of  consumer,  worker  and 
environmental protection set out in Community legislation. These products will enjoy public 
acceptance  only  if  these  regulations  adequately  address  the  new  challenges  from  the 
technologies; if manufacturers can demonstrate their safety; and if consumers perceive them 
as safe. 

6.1. 

Regulation 

In  June  2008,  the  Commission  adopted  the  Communication  “Regulatory  aspects  of 
nanomaterials”,14 fulfilling a commitment made in the Action Plan. The Communication was 
accompanied by a Staff Working Document providing a summary of legislation in relation to 
health, safety and environmental aspects of nanomaterials, and outlining regulatory research 
needs and related measures.15 

This  regulatory  review  concluded  that  existing  Community  regulatory  frameworks  cover  in 
principle  the  potential  health,  safety  and  environmental  risks  related  to  nanomaterials. 
Without  excluding  regulatory  change  in  the  light  of  new  information,  the  Commission 
stressed that the protection of health, safety and the environment needs to be enhanced mainly 

13 
14 
15 

http://ec.europa.eu/health/nanohearing_en.htm 
Regulatory Aspects of Nanomaterials, COM(2008)366 
SEC(2008)2036 

EN 

7 

   EN 

 
                                                 
by improving the implementation of current legislation. In addition to supporting research on 
risk  assessment,  the  Commission  is  working  in  several  regulatory  areas  to  improve 
implementation, assess the adequacy of existing legislation, and consider whether regulatory 
change on specific aspects is necessary.16 

The  Communication  was  examined  by  both  the  European  Parliament17  and  the  European 
Economic and Social Committee.18 The European Parliament in particular questions whether, 
in the absence of explicit provisions for nanotechnology in Community law, legislation can be 
deemed  adequate  to  cover  the  risks  related  to  nanomaterials.  Given  the  lack  of  appropriate 
data  and  assessment  methods,  the  Parliament  asks  that  existing  regulations  be  carefully 
reviewed.  At  the  request  of  the  European  Parliament,  specific  provisions  in  relation  to 
nanomaterials  have  been  introduced  or  are  being  considered  for  legislation  on  cosmetics, 
novel food and food additives. 

As  planned,  the  Commission  will  present  an  updated  regulatory  review  in  2011,  paying 
particular  attention  to  the  points  raised  by  the  European  Parliament  and  the  European 
Economic  and  Social  Committee.  Depending  on  needs,  the  Commission  may  propose 
regulatory changes. 

6.2. 

Bridging the knowledge gap 

A  specific  hurdle  to  overcome  is  the  need  for  better  knowledge  in  areas  like  the 
characterisation of nanomaterials, toxicity, ecotoxicity, safety and exposure assessment. This 
would allow implementation tools, like integrated testing strategies and guidance documents, 
to be adapted to take nanomaterials fully into account.  

Projects  designed  to  address  environmental  and  health  safety  issues,  under  FP7  and  in  the 
JRC, have led to a better understanding of the interaction mechanisms of nanomaterials with 
biological  systems,  as  well  as  in  the  development  of  test  methods,  for  the  assessment  of 
exposure for example. 

International  cooperation  in  this  area  is  strong.  The  Commission  is  heavily  involved  in  the 
current  work  within  the  OECD  Working  Party  for  Manufactured  Nanomaterials  (WPMN), 
which  is  developing  test  methods  and  guidelines  for  risk  assessment.  Moreover,  the  ISO 
standardisation work will facilitate a global convergence in standards for the implementation 
of regulation. 

The independent EU Scientific Committees have delivered six opinions in the last five years 
regarding the risk assessment of nanomaterials. In view of the remaining knowledge gaps, the 
opinions  stress  that  potential  risks  of  nanomaterials  have  to  be  assessed  on  a  case-by-case 
basis and make recommendations for further research on safety. 

From the regulatory point of view, there are a number of urgent needs: 

16 

17 
18 

For  example,  the  working  group  for  nanomaterials  under  REACH  has  made  progress  and  published 
initial results: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/pdf/nanomaterials.pdf 
Resolution of 24 April 2009 on regulatory aspects of nanomaterials (2008/2208(INI)) 
Opinion  of  25  February  2009  on  the  Communication  on  Regulatory  Aspects  of  Nanomaterials, 
INT/456; http://eesc.europa.eu/documents/opinions/avis_en.asp?type=en 

EN 

8 

   EN 

 
                                                 
–  Research funding should be both increased and consolidated, to keep up with the pace of 

development and marketing of new applications. 

–  To  obtain  relevant  data,  currently  available  methods  for  risk  assessment  need  to  be 

adjusted, validated and harmonised for nanomaterials. 

–  In  particular,  methods  need  to  be  improved,  developed  and  validated,  in  the  areas  of 
characterisation,  exposure  assessment,  hazard  identification,  life  cycle  assessment  and 
simulation. To this end, research will also be needed on fundamental aspects regarding the 
interaction of nanomaterials with living organisms. 

–  Suitable  reference  nanomaterials  are  needed  for  method  development  and  validation,  as 

well as for quality assurance. 

–  Public databases need to be developed, to serve in the safety assessment of nanomaterials. 

–  Particular focus should be given to research speeding up the development of test guidelines 

and standards within OECD, ISO and CEN. 

Although  knowledge  about  the  presence  of  nanomaterials  on  the  market  is  increasing,  the 
Commission is aware of the need to obtain a better and more accurate overview. In 2011 the 
Commission  intends  to  present  information  on  types  and  uses  of  nanomaterials,  including 
safety aspects. 

7. 

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 

In line with the mandate received from the Council in September 2004,19 the Commission has 
engaged in an international dialogue on nanotechnology. Since then international cooperation 
has  become  an  integral  part  of  the  Commission’s  policy  in  virtually  all  areas  of  the  Action 
Plan. The Commission’s past and on-going actions on the international front include: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

19 
20 

Collaboration in research projects, including projects on risk assessment. 

Providing  support  for  the  involvement  of  researchers  from  third  countries  in  EU-
funded  projects;  and  for  the  networking  of  researchers  from  third  countries  in 
nanotechnology. 

Organising in 2008 the third International Dialogue on the responsible development 
of nanotechnology. This covered governance, codes of practice, safety and regulation 
and collaboration. 

Participating in the work of OECD-WPN,20 on the governance of nanotechnology. 

Active  engagement  in  OECD-WPMN,21  which  is  the  main  international  forum  for 
the  further  development  of  test  guidelines  and  strategies  needed  for  the  proper 
implementation of regulation. 

12487/04 (2605th Council Meeting Competitiveness) 
Working Party on Nanotechnology – its general aim is to maximise the societal and economic benefits 
of nanotechnology 

EN 

9 

   EN 

 
                                                 
– 

– 

8. 

In  ISO  and  CEN  the  Commission  contributes  to  developing  globally  agreed 
standards on terminology and physico-chemical characterisation of nanomaterials, to 
create a basis for a convergent approach in the testing of nanomaterials. 

Regulatory  convergence  is  a  standing  issue  in  the  dialogues  with  the  EU’s  main 
trading partners. 

IMPLEMENTING A COHERENT AND VISIBLE STRATEGY AT 
EUROPEAN LEVEL 

The purpose of the Action Plan is to ensure the best possible governance of the development 
and  use  of  nanotechnology.  Its  effective  implementation  requires  an  efficient  structure  and 
coordination, and regular consultation with the Member States and all stakeholders. 

A  Commission  Inter-service  Group  dedicated  to  all  aspects  of  the  work  described  in  this 
report was established in 2005 and has been active since that time. A Europa website presents 
the  implementation  work  carried  out  by  all  the  Commission  services  involved,  and  features 
regularly  updated  answers 
languages: 
ec.europa.eu/nanotechnology 

frequently  asked  questions, 

five 

to 

in 

It  is  encouraging  that  several  Member  and  Associated  States  have  adopted  nanotechnology 
policies  that  are  fully  in  tune  with  that  of  the  Commission,  and  provide  complementary 
activities, such as funding and infrastructures. These activities are not covered in this report 
and the accompanying Staff Working Document in a systematic way. Only selected examples 
have  been  given,  which  suggest  that  the  progress  in  Member  States  with  regard  to  the 
implementation of the Action Plan is significant. 

To  obtain  a  consistent  view  of  these  activities  and  promote  coordination,  the  internal 
coordination effort of the Commission has been complemented by the Nanotechnology High-
Level  Group,  bringing  together  representatives  of  Member  and  Associated  States  and  the 
Commission. 

Furthermore, the Commission has cooperated with the EU Presidencies in the organisation of 
conferences that have provided opportunities to showcase progress and to set further priorities 
for action. 

CONCLUSION 

Significant  progress  has  been  made  on  all  points  of  the  Action  Plan.  Building  on  this,  it  is 
proposed to continue and consolidate the present actions in the coming years, with emphasis 
on: 

–  Deepening the research efforts and roadmaps for key nanotechnology sectors, to enhance 
innovation  and  competitiveness.22  This  is  considered  inseparable  from  advancing 
fundamental understanding of how nanomaterials throughout their life cycle interact with 

21 
22 

Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials 
The President’s Political guidelines for the next Commission stress the need for more industry-driven 
applied  R&D,  in  areas  including  nanotechnologies,  to  bring  leading  edge  products  and  clean 
technologies to markets and to boost the competitiveness of EU industry: 

http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/president/pdf/press_20090903_EN.pdf 

EN 

10 

   EN 

 
                                                                                                                                                         
living  organisms,  to  ensure  a  high  safety  level  and  protection  of  human  health  and  the 
environment. 

–  Developing  infrastructures  and  the  educational  system  further,  consistent  with  the 

multidisciplinary character of nanotechnology. 

–  Strengthening the mechanisms available for industrial innovation, stressing the concept of 

open innovation and facilitating technology transfer. 

–  Implementing  a  more  direct,  focused  and  continuous  societal  dialogue;  and  monitoring 

public opinion and issues related to consumer, environmental and worker protection. 

–  Continuing 

to  review 

the 
implementation instruments, proposing regulatory  change where necessary, and engaging 
where possible with international developments. 

the  adequacy  of  regulation,  adapting  as  appropriate 

–  Surveying the market  for  products of nanotechnology, including their safety aspects, and 

likely developments. 

–  Stepping  up  the  research  effort  on  safety  assessment,  including  risk  management, 
throughout  the  product  life  cycle.  Supporting  the  further  development  and  validation  of 
nanomaterial characterisation and test methods. 

–  Enhancing coordination and exchange of information with Member States. 

Building on achievements so far and with these needs in mind, the Commission is considering 
proposing a new Nanotechnology Action Plan that would be one of the driving forces of the 
European Research Area and address important societal and environmental issues. 

EN 

11 

   EN