On September 13, 2016, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) announced in the Federal Register the availability of the draft 2016 NNI Strategic Plan for public comment. The NNI Strategic Plan represents a consensus among NNI agencies on the high-level goals and priorities of the NNI, and on specific objectives to be pursued over at least the next three years. The NNI Strategic Plan provides the framework under which individual NNI agencies conduct their own nanotechnology programs, coordinate activities with those of other NNI agencies, and collaborate. The draft 2016 NNI Strategic Plan states that over the life of the NNI, its focus has broadened from investments in foundational research in nanomaterials and nanotechnology-enabled devices to include activities concerning how these nanomaterials and devices can be incorporated into nanotechnology-enabled systems. This update of the Strategic Plan “reflects that evolution and addresses how the NNI agencies will collaborate with each other and the broader nanotechnology community to expand the ecosystem that supports fundamental discovery, fosters innovation, and promotes the transfer of nanotechnology discoveries from lab to market.” It includes the following goals:
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Advance a world-class nanotechnology research and development program;
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Foster the transfer of new technologies into products for commercial and public benefit;
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Develop and sustain educational resources, a skilled workforce, and a dynamic infrastructure and toolset to advance nanotechnology; and
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Support responsible development of nanotechnology.
Comments are due September 23, 2016.
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