NanoBusiness Alliance

The NanoBusiness Alliance, a lobbying group based in Chicago, Illinois, represents U.S. nanofirms that, according to provided statistics, lead the world in the market value of goods produced incorporating nanotechnologies. The group maintains offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Connecticut, and Colorado. The rise of lobbying efforts is an indication of the shift of nanotechnology from the research phase to the commercialization phase, and the increasing incorporation of nanotechnology into products. In 2007, for example, U.S. companies incorporated nanotechnology into $59 billion worth of products, followed by Europe at $47 billion; Asia and the Pacific at $31 billion; and the rest of the world at $9.4 billion.

The emergence of the NanoBusiness Alliance as the first trade union group for nanotechnology reflects the enormous interest in the field, especially since 2000, when the Clinton administration actively promoted nanoscience. Nanotechnology research in the United States currently takes place at the federal, university, and corporate levels, and funding has steadily increased over the years. In 2008, U.S. nanotechnology funding reached $18.2 billion. Of this, government funding was $8.4 billion, corporate funding totaled $8.6 billion, and venture capitalists invested $1.2 billion. One of the key areas of nanotechnology research is the energy and environment sector, where, in 2008, government funding accounted for 29 percent of all nanotechnology.

Key to the group's lobbying efforts are annual conferences, which are comprised of three days of high-level meetings with members of Congress, administration officials, and other key policy makers. These meetings have often been referred to as Washington Round Tables.

Registered as a not-for-profit association dedicated to promoting the commercialization of nanotechnology and helping companies bring nanotechnology products to market, the Alliance actively lobbies Washington policy makers for business-friendly policies, and actively seeks global investments in this high-potential sector. The alliance holds regular NanoBusiness conferences, speaking engagements, and membership communications. The alliance tries to influence nanotechnology policy, primarily in the areas of the economy, employment, energy, the environment, and human health and safety. It is also an intermediary in creating networks between emerging nanotechnology companies, investors, corporations, start-ups, researchers, universities, investors, and other key stakeholders. For young people, the alliance runs the NanoBusiness Talent Program that connects students interested in a career in nanotechnology with high-tech companies by arranging summer internships at nanotechnology companies. Fellows are chosen from among the top junior and senior high school students based on their passion for science and their potential to contribute significantly to research and innovation in emerging technology.

One of the alliance's central aims is ensuring an active role for the private sector in nanotechnology research. However, activists are concerned that given the powerful applications of nanotechnology and its potentially revolutionary effect on human civilization, business groups like the NanoBusiness Alliance might, in the pursuit of profit, dilute proposed safeguards.