Why does
Northern California need a nanotechnology initiative?
'This
is the center of the nanotechnology world.'
-
leader of Japanese nanotechnology initiative delegation to Northern California.
'The Bay Area is where the cutting edge nanotechnology companies will be born.'
-
head of UK nanotechnology initiative delegation to Northern California.
'The valley is where the next wave of nanotechnology development will come
from.'
-
member of Swiss nanotechnology initiative delegation to Northern California.
'You will fall behind without a regional effort'
- all the above delegations
Over the past
year delegations from Japan, UK, Switzerland, China, Korea, Germany, and others
have toured Northern California to examine the 'Silicon Valley way' of doing
hi-tech business, including region's successful development of 'super' clusters
for biotech and IT.
While the Bay
Area is a center for nanotechnology, there is a growing consensus that a more
coordinated effort will be required for the Bay Area to retain its lead in
the emerging nanotechnology economy. The requirements for a successful nanotechnology
cluster, i.e. access to multi- and interdisciplinary teams, large capital
equipment costs for core facilities, large research investments, and collaboration
& convergence of multiple industries and sectors require both a higher
degree of coordination than currently exists as well as a roadmap and action
plan for the future.
Northern California's
preeminence in cutting edge technologies, venture capital, hi-tech industries,
and entrepreneurial spirit has positioned the region to develop the leading
nanotechnology cluster in the world. But these natural advantages alone are
not enough to offset coordinated domestic and global competition.
Globally, other
countries are spending more than the US, both on an absolute basis (Japan)
and a purchasing power parity basis (China). Domestically, Southern California,
Texas, New York, Florida, Alaska, and North Dakota, have launched major nanotechnology
initiatives in the past 12 months. These initiatives have attracted billions
of dollars to date.
The Northern
California Nanotechnology Initiative (NCnano) will act as the catalyst to
bring concentrated effort and resources to bear for creating a regional nanotechnology
cluster. Acting as a clearinghouse and economic coordinator, NCnano will facilitate
a multidisciplinary approach to develop the nanoscale biotechnology, molecular
electronics, advanced materials and manufacturing technologies that will dominate
science and the economy in the 21st century.
Nano activists
agree the timing is right for an initiative for Northern California. Our focus
is Northern California, not just Silicon Valley, encompassing Sacramento as
well as San Francisco and the East Bay. By broadening our geography we embrace
the academic and national labs and the state government.

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