Jan. 31, 2003 — The European NanoBusiness Association (ENA) said it has launched hubs in 12 European cities in an effort to capitalize on research across the continent and boost interaction among business, scientific and financial officials.

Tim Harper, the association’s executive director, said the hubs will be located within existing organizations — technology transfer centers, universities and companies — that focus on nanotech. The ENA will provide support for the hubs, but the local branches will develop links among local leaders and organize meetings and events to showcase each area’s strengths.

“There are a lot of different attitudes, languages, cultures and legal systems in Europe, so sitting in Brussels and telling people what’s best for them is not the best option,” he said. “There are lot of people who are curious about nanotechnology … (who) would find it easier to pop along to a local meeting or cocktail evening for free, or a nominal charge, rather than commit to paying thousands of euros or dollars or a big international conference.”

The hubs are being created in London, Newcastle and Cambridge, England; Oslo, Norway; Helsinki, Finland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Dublin, Ireland; Munich, Germany; Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Madrid, Spain; Budapest, Hungary; and Sofia, Bulgaria.