Focus Groups: SME guide to regulations and standards relevant nanomaterials and nanotechnology-based products

Nanotechnology is already improving the world we live in, helping to produce more cost effective materials for energy sources and keeping our environment clean. Also developing new medical diagnostic tools to detect disease earlier and safer and more effective drugs. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials can be used in many different markets and industries would you like to learn more?

We are looking for representatives of SMEs (also sole traders) to take part in a focus group to discuss their needs and challenges and to express their views and opinions about the content and structure of a SME guide on regulations and standards relating to nanotechnology in different market sectors. The ideal companies we need to participate should be potentially interested in commercializing nanotechnology based products.

We are planning a number of focus groups (London, Bristol and Newcastle) the first one will take place at the British Library. The group discussion will take approximately 2 hours and each participant will be paid for their participation. To apply please send an E-mail quoting "SME Guide" in the subject line. Please specify your name, the company you represent and your interest in this project. If we feel you are suited to the workshop we shall contact you to further your application.

More about Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of 1 to 100 nm, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. The possible benefits of nanotechnology include the use of nanomaterials in products to make them stronger, lighter, and more effective. Nanotechnology could also provide new and better ways to treat disease, clean up the environment, and cheaper energy. It also has the potential to transform many consumer products that we use and a wide range of products are already available, including suntan lotions, self-cleaning windows and antimicrobial clothing.

Nanotechnology-enabled products are already moving from the R&D phase to full commercialization; there are more than 800 manufactured nanotechnology consumer products available. In 2007 it was estimated that $50 billion of products utilizing nanotechnology were sold worldwide. These products and materials are now entering commerce in the UK and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are investigating how they might incorporate them into innovative, viable business solutions. SMEs are the basis of future European competitiveness and job creation. In the UK, 99% of businesses are SMEs and 95% of new jobs are created by SMEs; to survive and grow they must constantly innovate.

As the number of consumer products and the availability of nanomaterials have increased there has also been a growing concern about the potential risks to health and to the environment that could result from exposure to nanoparticles. The general consensus is that there are uncertainties about risks to health for consumers, the public, the environment and especially workers. Standards have an important role to play in facilitating innovative new product development in emerging technologies. They provide confidence and reassurance in new market areas and can help in the areas of health, public safety and environmental safety. However, there are currently no specific regulations for the EU or the USA, although general product safety directives ultimately put the responsibility on the producer or importer to ensure that a product is safe.