ICSTI Statement on Nanotechnology - Forfás

6.0 SECTORAL ANALYSIS
6.1 Background
In the previous chapter we identified in general terms the nature
of the opportunities that exist for indigenous and multinational
companies based in Ireland.
Briefly, it was concluded for indigenous start-ups and local
multinationals that the principal opportunity lies in the
development or early adoption of nanotools, nanomaterials,
nanodevices and nanosystems to develop new products and
processes. It was concluded for established indigenous companies
that the principal opportunity lies in using commercially available
nanotools and nanomaterials to improve existing products or
processes.
In order that clear and effective recommendations can be made
that will allow the above opportunities to be fully exploited, the
specific opportunities that arise in the following key sectors
comprising the Irish economy were considered in greater detail:
ICT - electronics
ICT - photonics
Healthcare - pharmaceuticals
Healthcare - medical devices
Agri-food
Polymers and Plastics
Construction
The first four sectors are dominated by indigenous start-ups and
multinational companies, while the last three sectors are
dominated by established indigenous companies.
The approach adopted was to overlay the nanotechnology
roadmap described in Chapter Four, on the accepted technology
roadmap for the sector in question. The points of intersection of
the two roadmaps were identified and the nature of the
opportunities that arise considered.
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