ICSTI Statement on Nanotechnology - Forfás

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Communications
Communications is an essential aspect to educate and inform on
what nanotechnology is, how it operates and what can be
achieved. All aspects of measurements and stock takes should be
structured and communicated to all stakeholders in Ireland –
SMEs, MNCs, Policy Makers, Funders (private and public),
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and development
agencies. This communications should be aimed at developing
specific relationships between academia and SMEs/MNCs based on
commercial needs and requirements. Communications can take
place through both public and private sector initiatives.
Intellectual Property
There is a need to improve the Intellectual Property framework so
that it fosters and nourishes development and innovation. IP is
problematic in Ireland. In order to structure, nourish and foster
developments knowledge creators (such as universities) should be
measured on the amplification and communication of knowledge
and not on IP creation. Additionally, the complexity of the area is
not totally dependent on patents or copyrights. Items such as
trade secrets or other mechanisms can be of value utilisation,
where appropriate should be encouraged.
European Framework Programmes
The Forum should co-ordinate the input of Irish nanotechnology
interests into the European Commission Framework Programmes.
There is much good work happening in this area and the NNF
should ensure that Ireland influences the structures of FP 7/8 and
that there must be a push to get the “nano-enabled” label into
the terminology of FP7/8 particularly in sectors that are
significant to Ireland.