Charting Nanotechnology and its Subdomains
Scott Cunningham, Delft University of Technology
In this presentation we discuss new developments in the field of nanotechnology. We use research evaluation techniques and data visualization approaches to segment and describe a vast field of research encompassing some seven percent of all published articles. The field is of intense interest for both public and private actors, and is thought by some to be the source of new general purpose technologies which may completely restructure the economy in the coming twenty years. The breadth of the field presents a serious challenge for policy makers, since targeted funding in a field so vast is very difficult. This research plots and segments nanotechnology research, using content analysis techniques. We present seven major nanotechnology topic fields, ranging from nano-pharmacology to solid state physics. We review previous categorizations of nano science and nanotechnology. We take a deeper look at bulk, or “green,” nanotechnologies which are near to market developments in materials science. We conclude with policy recommendations for nanotechnology, and observations concerning major European research collaborations in the area of nanotechnology.
About the speaker
Scott W. Cunningham received degrees in engineering and policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was a research assistant at Georgia Tech’s Technology Policy and Assessment Center, becoming introduced to research at a young age. He received a Ph.D. in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy from the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex in 1996. His work involved the evaluation of national research activities, under the promotion of Prof. Ben Martin. After completing his Ph.D. he worked in industry, working for AT&T and other smaller hardware and software companies, doing work in knowledge discovery in databases. During this time he earned six national and international patents in data mining and data warehousing. He was an early employee of DemandTec, a consumer pricing company now publicly traded on NASDAQ. He currently works for the Delft University of Technology at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management as an assistant professor in policy analysis. He has co-authored two books, including the 2004 book Tech Mining. He is an associate editor of the Journal of Technological Forecasting and Social Change. He teaches M.Sc. courses in technology analysis and strategic management for several degree programs at the faculty.
Venue: UNU-MERIT, Keizer Karelplein 19, Conference Room
Date: 01 December 2011
Time: 12:30 - 13:30 CEST
