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Feb. 16, 2006 – The NanoBusiness Alliance (NBA), a U.S.-based nanotechnology trade association, announced that two days of meetings between members of the nanotechnology business community and government officials commenced this morning. Attendees include CEOs, scientists, chief technologists, financial professionals and consultants from the nanotech sector, according to an NBA news release.
“The U.S. currently leads the world in nanotech development, but has several strong international competitors that threaten our leadership position,” said Sean Murdock, executive director of the NBA, in a prepared statement. He added that uncertainty over environmental, health and safety issues also represent barriers toward commercialization and that it is therefore important for the business community to engage in a dialogue with government leaders.
The two days, officially dubbed the NanoBusiness Alliance Public Policy Tour, began this morning with a Senate Nanocaucus meeting and joint press conference being held by U.S. Senators George Allen (R-VA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
Meetings slated to follow include other members of Congress and members of the NBA. Additional briefings are scheduled through Friday, at which NBA members will present their key objectives and proposals, including a tax credit intended to spur investment, the creation of a reference materials library, and an increase in the budget devoted to researching the health and environmental implications of nanotechnology.