Nanotechnology Articles
from State Legislatures Magazine, December 2005
From News from the States, Fall Winter 2005
As interest in these miniscule devices continues to grow, states are finding ways to support this emerging technology. In many ways, the definition alone is a problem. Many states have set up funds to help entice new industry. Other states have set up advisors and planning committees.
Nanotechnology is a broad term that can cover a large range of topics. In Arkansas, Ark. Code Ann. § 15-4-2103 defines it as “the materials and systems whose structures and components exhibit novel and significantly improved physical, chemical, and biological properties, phenomena, and processes due to their nanoscale size”. Other states have tried to include nanotechnology in existing categories: Massachusetts defines it as an emerging technology industry (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 23G, § 27) and New York places it in the category of enabling sciences, which are “those science disciplines which may be directly applied to life science research” (NY Cons. Laws Exec. § 209). Florida has included a special niche for the Florida Space Authority Board of supervisors, including space-related nanotechnology in their definition of “space industry” (Fla. Stat. § 331.308).
Several states have granted money towards specific projects, such as Illinois’s grants to the Argonne National Laboratory for the Nanotechnology Institute and Northwestern University (PUBLIC ACT 93-587) and Ohio’s assistance to several state universities (OH SB 189). In other states, such as Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, and Texas, funds or accounts have been established or modified to include nanotechnology. Using another approach, Arkansas has a tax credit allowance to attract nanotechnology related businesses (see Ark. Code Ann. § 15-4-2104).
Advisory programs have been set up in a number of states to help coordinate business and governmental interests. California has the Economic and Workforce Development Program (Cal. Ed. Code § 88500). The North Carolina Rural Internet Advisory Authority (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-437.44) is set up to develop telecommunications and information network technology, including nanotechnology. Also, there is the Oklahoma Center of the Advancement of Science and Technology (Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 74, § 5060.1a). In Texas, efforts to attract technology industries are coordinated through the Texas Economic Development and Tourism office (Tex. Gov't Code § 481.0296). Virginia has established a Secretary of Technology to help planning and budgeting for technology programs, including nanotechnology. (Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-225).
- Submitted by Ricardo Ochoa
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Tiny Devices Offer Tremendous Potential
from News from the States, Summer 2005
While the exact definition of nanotechnology is still being worked out, this budding technology offers incredible benefits. Miniscule devices on the nanometer scale (1/1,000,000,000th of a meter) offer the chance to revolutionize all manner of technologies, from medical science to industrial manufacturing and even stain resistant clothing. Nanotechnology is estimated to become a trillion dollar industry in only fifteen years, requiring over 2 million workers worldwide.
It is no wonder that the US government and the states are trying to entice nanotechnology markets. The federal government has established research funding and investment programs through the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) and the Nation Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). States also are hoping to attract a sizable portion of this emerging industry. Several states have already started to look into the economic opportunities and are devising plans to facilitate the growth of nanotechnology locally. For example, some states have modified existing technology nurturing programs to encompass nanotechnology as a targeted industry. Others are establishing nanotechnology degree programs, funding school research facilities and offering grants to private businesses and organizations. In addition, some states are considering building their own nanotechnology facilities in an effort to draw in nanotechnology businesses.
The Massachusetts Research Center Matching Fund has provisions under Chap. 23G §27(c) designed to provide additional funding for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit research institutions that pursue nanotechnology in the state. In 2004, Oklahoma expanded the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Act to include nanotechnology ( §74-5060.1a). At the direction of the General Assembly, the Virginia Joint Commission on Technology and Science began a study of nanotechnology research and development in 2004 which continues through 2005.
In 2005, several state legislatures considered nanotechnology-related legislation. New laws in New York, S.B. 4271, assigned to Chapter 63, and Illinois S.B. 1548, Public Act 04-0015, provide funding for nanotechnology research and development. Connecticut S.B. 1258, P.L. 05-198, promotes more research applications with industry by Connecticut colleges and universities. Arkansas passed S.B. 763, which sets aside $5,000,000 to help the University of Arkansas to prepare a nanotechnology research facility. And, Connecticut S.B. 1167, P.L 05-13, creates a nanotechnology program to allow students to continue their education and to accelerate the entry of students into related science programs.
- Submitted by Ricardo Ochoa
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