WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "China is betting that their growing investment in nanoscience will help them capture a large share of what shortly will become a $3 trillion global market in nanotech manufactured goods, and that breakthroughs in nanotechnology research and commercialization will confer economic superpower status on the country that attains first mover advantage in this cutting-edge technology," stated Richard P. Appelbaum, professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara. "The Chinese government clearly understands that enhanced nanotechnology research capacity and marketable innovation go hand-in-hand. Both are key to their strategy for future commercial success, economic competitiveness, and continued economic growth."

Dr. Appelbaum made his remarks today at an event co-sponsored by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, the Asia Program, the China Environment Forum, and the Program on Science, Technology, America and the Global Economy, at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The event, "Nanotechnology in China: Ambitions and Realities," focused on China's current and future capabilities to become one of the world's leading nanotechnology nations. The panel included Denis Fred Simon, an expert on Chinese science and technology policy and vice president of Academic Affairs at the State University of New York. It was moderated by Evan Michelson, research associate at the Wilson Center's Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies.

"Worldwide, nanotechnology has emerged as a critical area for science and technology competitionmuch like the race to be the first country to put a man on the moon. China and the U.S. are both big players in the nanotech race. Each faces a number of significant competitive challenges and collaborative opportunities, including the need for internationally coordinated risk research strategies and effective oversight mechanisms," said Michelson. "It would be unfortunate if government agenc
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Contact: Julia Moore
julia.moore@wilsoncenter.org
202-691-4025
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies
6-Feb-2007