On April 19, 2016, the European Union (EU) NanoSafety Cluster announced the availability of the “Closer to the Market” Roadmap (CTTM).  The NanoSafety Cluster states that the CTTM is a “multi-dimensional, stepwise plan targeting a framework to deliver safe nano-enabled products to the market.”  The steps include:  (1) building an inclusive collaboration network; (2) bringing together scientific and entrepreneurial experts; (3) strengthening dialog of all stakeholders to raise synergies and exchange safe resources; (4) implementing a novel risk assessment framework supported by regulatory initiatives and implemented by contract research organizations; and (5) building service provider platforms that function as consulting agencies assisting companies to bring their products towards market implementation.  According to the CTTM, the first step is underway through a coordination and support action bringing together the nanosafety management platforms and institutes of the EU Member States.  The CTTM states that joint calls will be implemented to pool national funding from Member States and third countries (e.g., the U.S.) to finance nanotechnology environmental, health, and safety (nanoEHS) research and market-oriented accompanying measures that are of common interest for the platforms.  The timeline is to get the action operational by the end of 2016.  The aim is to use this Coordination and Support Action (CSA) to develop further actions.  According to the CTTM, the platforms provide services and support for stakeholders (e.g., industry, governments, and researchers) to create in a sustainable way marketable, societal approved products and goods.  The CTTM will be part of the NanoSafety Cluster strategic research and innovation agenda that will be launched at the end of 2016.

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