An overview of nanotechnology that encompasses scientific, technological, economic and social issues – investigating the potential of nanotechnology to transform whole sectors of industry from healthcare to energy. Jeremy Ramsden provides a blueprint for those involved in the commercialization of nanotechnology.

In Applied Nanotechnology Professor Ramsden takes an integrated approach to the scientific, commercial and social aspects of nanotechnology, exploring:

• The relationship between nanotechnology and innovation
• The changing economics and business models required to commercialize innovations in nanotechnology
• Product design challenges – investigated through case studies
• Applications in various sectors, including composite materials, energy and agriculture
• The role of government in promoting nanotechnology
• The potential future of molecular self-assembly in industrial production
• The ethics and social implications of nanotechnology

As well as providing business models and practical examples of the innovation process, this book offers a vision of the role of nanotechnology in confronting the challenges facing humanity, from healthcare to climate change.

About the Author

Professor Jeremy Ramsden graduated (Natural Sciences) from Cambridge University and obtained his doctorate from the École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne. He was appointed as Professor of Nanotechnology at Cranfield University in 2002, becoming additionally Director of Research for Bionanotechnology at Cranfield University’s Kitakyushu campus in 2003.

Applied Nanotechnology: The Conversion of Research Results to Products examines the commercial and social aspects of nanotechnology. The book is organized into four parts. Part 1 presents an overview of nanotechnology. It discusses the definition of nanotechnology; the relationship between wealth, technology, and science; the relationship between nanotechnology and innovation; and the question of why one might wish to introduce nanotechnology.
Part 2 explains the nanotechnology business and the applications of nanotechnology in a wide range of industries, including engineering, aerospace, automotive, food, textiles, information technologies, and health. Part 3 deals with specific commercial and financial aspects. These include business models for nanotechnology enterprises, demand assessment for nanotechnology products, and the design of nanotechnology products.
Part 4 looks at the future of nanotechnology. It examines how nanotechnology can contribute to the big challenges faced by humanity, such as climate change and terrorism. Ethical issues are also considered, including risk, uncertainty, and regulation.