Congressional Nanotechnology Caucus Hosts Briefing on “Nanotech and Jobs

On November 15, 2011, the Congressional Nanotechnology Caucus hosted a briefing on the impact of nanotechnology on job creation. Topics addressed included the best ways to encourage private/public partnerships; what kind of jobs nanotechnology investment can create; and where private capital is investing money in nanotechnology. Guest speakers included:

• Hilary Flynn, Lux Research;
• Doug Jamison, Chief Executive Office, Harris & Harris; and
• Robert D. “Skip” Rung, President and Executive Director, Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute.

As noted in Jamison and Flynn’s slides, the discussion reinforced the view that nanotechnology is creating jobs and helping grow the economy. The U.S. is in danger of losing ground to the European Union and emerging economies, however. Rung described how state and regional organizations can be helpful in promoting the commercialization of nanotechnologies.