The vision and action plan of the National Nanotechnology Initiative

The vision of novel phenomena, unity in nature, and promise of the most efficient manufacturing length scale has been essential in establishing the multidisciplinary National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). The research opportunities and projections of their societal outcomes have been integrated into a transforming strategy to yield the program announced in January 2000. This paper briefly outlines the motivation of this major investment, its systematic preparation since 1996, current activities in fiscal year 2002 ($604 million), and key challenges for the future. Modeling and simulation at the nanoscale plays a special role because the limited spatial and temporal resolution of measuring devices at the nanoscale. Virtually all industrialized countries have initiated or have in advanced planning stages a national activity on nanoscale science and engineering stimulated by the NNI since 2000. This transforms nanotechnology into a field of broad international interest, increasing collaboration and stimulating competition.