Advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology will likely have major implications for the health, wealth and peace of society in future decades. However, there are also concerns about nanoscience and nanotechnology, such as whether the demands for new technological products may be outpacing the slower and more deliberate science that creates the technology, or that the existing silicon semiconductor industries may not be capable of embracing a new technology.

Titanium dioxide microsphere (1-50 microns in diameter). These can be thought of as small "photonic crystallites," which are expected to scatter light very efficiently.

To understand the risks and potential of this field, the Joint Committee on Preparing California for the 21st Century, the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency and the Semiconductor Industry Association have asked CCST to produce a report on the opportunities and challenges afforded to California in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

At issue is the opportunity for California's research institutions and industries to be leaders in research and development of this field while considering the social, ethical and legal implications of a radically new technology. California is home to several of the world's leading nanotechnology research institutions and is also building a healthy industry base. As federal and state government are increasing support for nanotechnology and new research facilities are emerging, CCST is exploring what the state needs to know and do to ensure California's technological, economic and social leadership.

The project, entitled "Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges in California," is being conducted under the direction of CCST Council member and Fellow Arthur Chester, retired president of HRL Laboratories, and CCST Board member and Fellow Robert Spinrad, consultant. The report will consist of an annotated analysis of the literature, recent reports, conferences and other means of information dissemination on nanotechnology.

The report is scheduled to be completed by fall 2003. Six chapters will be prepared to reflect possible applicability to California:

• What are the underlying notions of nanotechnology and the diverse areas where they may have an impact?
• Clarify California's unique position as a nanotechnology leader and give implications for the economy and quality of life.
• Describe what we know of the evolution of high tech industries, e.g., history of the economic investment and payback in semiconductors and bio industries. How does this compare to nanotechnology?
• Examine what the needs are for education (production of a trained workforce) and the relationships to research.
• Assess the efficiency of technology commercialization and suggest best practices in nanotechnology (learning from semiconductor and bio experience).
• Discuss the relevant social ethical issues to be considered. What are the most appropriate opportunities for practical societal benefits inclusive of economic human capital and environment versus either alarmist dystopia or technological utopia?