Abstract
Standardization will play an increasing role in creating a smooth transition from the laboratory to the marketplace as products based on nanotechnology are developed and move into broad use. Traditionally, standards have evolved out of a need to achieve interoperability among existing products, create order in markets, simplify production and ensure safety. This view does not account for the escalating trend in standardization, especially in emerging technology sectors, in which standards working groups anticipate the evolution of a technology and facilitate its rapid development and entrée to the market place. It is important that the nanotechnology community views standards as a vital tool to promote progress along the nanotechnology value chain – from nanoscale materials that form the building blocks for components and devices to the integration of these devices into functional systems.
This paper describes the need for and benefits derived from developing consensus standards in nanotechnology, and how standards are created. Anticipatory standards can nurture the growth of nanotechnology by drawing on the lessons learned from a standards effort that has and continues to revolutionize the telecommunications industry. Also, a brief review is presented on current efforts in the US to create nanotechnology standards.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, http://www. asme.org/nano/.
The Compact Model Council, http://www.eigroup.org/cmc/.
DIN German Institute for Standardization, 2000. Economic benefits of standardization, summary of results, Final Report and Practical Examples.
Hansen R.M. April 2-4, 2001. Trends in Nanotechnology Patents and Licenses. National Nanotechnology Initiative Conference.
IEEE Nanotechnology Standards Study Group, http:// grouper.ieee.org/groups/nano/.
IEEE Standard Association, 2003. For standards development information, see www.standards.ieee.org/resources/ development/index.
NSET, National Nanotechnology Initiative, http://www. nano.gov.
National Institute of Standards and Technology, http://www. nist.gov.
Negroponte N. Sept. 9, 2002. Agitator-in-chief for the wi-fi revolution. Financial Times.
Roco M.C. & W.S. Bainbridge eds., 2001. Societal Implications of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, the Netherlands, 370 pages.
Roco M.C., R.S. Williams & P. Alivisatos eds., 2000. Nanotechnology Research Directions. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, the Netherlands, 316 pages.
Standards Australia International Ltd., 2000. All About Standards and Standardization.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rashba, E., Gamota, D. Anticipatory Standards and the Commercialization of Nanotechnology. Journal of Nanoparticle Research 5, 401–407 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025590811529
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025590811529