Industrialization of Nanotechnology in Japan - The Time of True Nanotechnology -

Shinichi Kamei
Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology

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     Last modified: April 3, 2006

Abstract
The keyword of R&D of nanotechnology in the latest Japan is “True Nanotechnology”. The Nanotechnology Working Group was established under the Council for Science and Technology Policy of Japanese Government, and they discussed the R&D strategy for the industrialization of nanotechnology. In Japan, the 3rd Science and Technology Basic Plan will start in April, 2006. It is stated that much more promotion of true nanotechnology is needed to strengthen the industrial competitiveness in this field.
True nanotechnology is the cutting-edge technology based on new phenomenon and new technology, which has not been in the existent technology. In other words, it is the breakthrough technology based on a phenomenon peculiar to nano-size.
However, it is indeed the fact that micro-technology, such as MEMS and DDS, is towing the market as nanotechnology at present. If it is considered the true nanotechnology is the technology which was not former, it can be said that there is no present market.
Based on the Delphi research to the chief technical officer (CTO) of Japanese private sectors, the future market was analyzed for 11 high technologies by Mitsubishi Research Institute Inc. and Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. The market of a photonic crystal, molecular electronics, a next-generation memory, quantum communication and a quantum computer, and a brain type device is estimated as zero at present. The market of the next-generation electronics field will rise greatly by 2010. The constant growth is expected for the nano-materials. On the other hand, although it is expected to the technology of dreams, such as the bottom-up manufacturing techniques, the quantum communication, the quantum computer, the brain type device, a big market might be appeared by 2015.
We also conducted the survey of Japanese and US competitiveness in the field of nanotechnology. This study attempted to compare Japan and the US in terms of scientific competitiveness, technological competitiveness, and industrial competitiveness. In the areas of quantum wire, quantum dots, and photo-catalysts, Japan has the lead over the US in terms of both science and technology. We can say that universities and public research institutes is competitive on the level of science, while the industrial sectors hold the competitive power in terms of technology. However, the real source of Japan’s technological advantage is believed to lie in the cooperation and collaboration between these two sectors.
It is expected that true nanotechnology will lead next-generation technical innovation. Especially the application to a bio-field has high attention using advanced nano material, such as a quantum dot and a photo-catalyst, in which Japan has high advantage. Strategic cooperation is indispensable to realize the industrialization in the true nanotechnology. As a result, a lot of great markets should be opened in future.