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N anotechnology is defined as the control or restructuring of matter at
the atomic and molecular levels with a size range of
roughly 1-100 nm. The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initia-
tive (NNI), launched in 2001 to primarily focus on R&D, rep-
resents an investment of nearly $20 billion, including the
request for fiscal year 2014. As research continues and other
countries increasingly invest in R&D, nanotechnology is mov-
ing from the laboratory to commercial markets, mass manu-
facturing, and the global marketplace. Today, growing markets
and expanded nanomanufacturing activities are becoming in-
creasingly competitive in a global context, although the po-
tential environmental, health, and safety (EHS) effects remain largely
unknown. A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Of-
fice (GAO)—Nanomanufacturing and U.S. Competitiveness:
Challenges and Opportunities—explores U.S. competitiveness in
nanomanufacturing and related issues.
Key actions were identified by forum participants who contributed to
the report. To enhance U.S. nanomanufacturing competitiveness, the fol-
lowing needs must be addressed: Strengthen U.S. innovation by updating
current innovation-related policies and programs; promote U.S. innova-
tion in manufacturing through public-private partnerships; and design a
strategy for attaining a holistic vision for U.S. nanomanufacturing. Criti-
cal policy issues identified by the experts include development of interna-
tional commercial nanomanufacturing standards, the need to maintain
support for basic R&D in nanotechnology, and development of a revital-
ized, integrative, and collaborative approach to EHS issues.
Report participants believe that the U.S. likely leads in sponsorship
and overall quality of nanotechnology R&D today as well as some areas of
nanomanufacturing, such as nanotherapeutic drug development and
semiconductor device design. However, they cautioned that the U.S. faces
global competition and is struggling to compete in some industry areas,
for example, advanced batteries. To access the free report, call
866.801.7077 or visit gao.gov.
ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES • JULY 2014 4
spot l ight feedback
market
Report explores
nanomanufacturing and
U.S. competitiveness
Appreciating metallurgical history
I would like to tell Charles Simcoe how
much I enjoy reading his “Metallurgy
Lane” articles in every issue. The history
of metallurgy is very interesting to some
of us and it is difficult to find articles like
these. I will also make a point of visiting
the blogspot given at the end of the arti-
cles, .
Paul Shewmon, Professor Emeritus
The Ohio State University
Missing historical marker
I noticed in Charles Simcoe’s letter
[“Feedback” department, March] that the
Cambria Iron Works in Johnstown, Pa.,
did not have an asterisk indicating it is an
ASM Historical Landmark. In the early
1970s, the ASM Pittsburgh Chapter
arranged to have the site of Kelly’s Con-
verter (Cambria Iron Works) designated
as such. In fact, I was chairman of the
chapter during 1972-73 and was present
at the ceremony when the ASM plaque
was placed at the park along the Stony-
creek River at the foot of the Johnstown
Incline. The plaque went missing after
the severe flood that hit Johnstown in
July 1977. As an aside, William Kelly’s
original converter was on display for nu-
merous years in the lobby of the Bethle-
hem Steel office in Johnstown, but alas,
Bethlehem Steel is no more.
Samuel J. Manganello
ASM Pittsburgh Chapter
We welcome all comments
and suggestions. Send letters to
.
Challenges facing U.S. nanomanufacturing include: A key U.S. funding gap in the middle stages of the
manufacturing-innovation process; lack of commercial or environmental, safety, and health (EHS) standards; lack of a
U.S. vision for nanomanufacturing; extensive prior offshoring in some industries, which may have had unintended
consequences; and threats to U.S. intellectual property. Courtesy of GAO, adapted from Executive Office of the President.
Manufacturing-innovation process Private sector
Government and universities
GAP
High
Low
Funding/investment
Basic
manufacturing
research
Proof of
concept
Production
in
laboratory
Capacity to
produce
prototype
Capability in
production
environment
Demonstration
of production
rates