Nanotechnology, A Technology Forecast
- Authored By: Dr. John Vanston and Henry Elliott.
- Program Directors: Michael A. Bettersworth & Dr. Larry Grulick.
- 90 Pages
- Published June 2003.
This report provides commercialization timelines, driving forces and constraints, industry trends and projectors, and expert opinion and analysis on the emerging nanotechnology sector. The exact nature and size of potential nanotech markets are unclear at this time. However, there is little doubt that these new technologies promise almost unlimited business and associated employment opportunities. Moreover, these opportunities could expand very rapidly, if technical breakthroughs, now envisioned are, indeed, realized. Although community and technical college deans and other instructional officers should not over-react to these possibilities, the colleges should be alert to the impact that advances in nanotechnology may have on current programs, such as those involving semiconductor manufacturing. This report examines trends and opportunities across four classifications of nanotechnology: instrumentation, tools, and computer simulation; nanomaterials; electronics, information technology, optical applications; and life sciences.
Table of Contents
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| Preface | iv |
| Acknowledgments | v |
| General Observations: Promising Potential | 1 |
| Workforce Issues | 2 |
| Training Strategies for Community and Technical Colleges | 5 |
| Current Texas Nanotechnology Activities | 6 |
| Research Consortia | 6 |
| Universities and University Consortia | 7 |
| Coordinating Groups | 9 |
| Nanotech Companies in Texas | 13 |
| Current Challenges | 20 |
| State of the Art | 21 |
| Materials | 25 |
| Electronics/Information Technologies and Optical Applications | 29 |
| Life Sciences | 33 |
| Forecasts | 37 |
| Definition | 37 |
| Classification | 37 |
| Forecast of Commercialization | 39 |
| Fundamental Driving Forces | 40 |
| Projections of Organizations | 41 |
| Projections of Individuals or Companies | 43 |
| Forecasting Methodologies | 44 |
| Potential Impacting Factors | 49 |
| Final Comments | 52 |
| List of Exhibits | 53 |
| Appendices | 54 |
| A: Venture Capitalists at NanoVentures 2003 | 54 |
| B: Employment Opportunities in Nanotechnology, Technicians with Associate Degrees | 55 |
| C: Comparative Nanotechnology Expenditures | 59 |
| D: Nanotechnology Classification Schemes | 60 |
| E: Nominal Group Conference Participants | 63 |
| F: List of Nominal Group Items | 65 |
| G: Nominal Group Rating Instructions | 68 |
| H: Nominal Group Results | 70 |
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