Charter

Nanotechnology has the potential to fundamentally change how items are designed and manufactured, and to radically transform the basis of competition in while industries while creating new industries. The National Science Foundation predicts the worldwide market for nanotechnology products and services to reach $1 trillion by 2015.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Nanotechnology (BRTFN), a joint federal-state venture to benefit Silicon Valley and promote California as the national and worldwide center for research, development, and commercialization of the nascent nanotechnology industry.

“BRTFN members will have the opportunity to influence the regional development of nanotechnology, helping usher in a revolutionary new era in technology that will attract investment from governments and businesses around the world. Working in conjunction with the NASA Ames Research Center, the highest expectations for the potential of this endeavor is expected.

Nanotechnology sounds like something out of Star Trek, but it’s already being used in cars, tennis rackets and stain-proof pants. To stay at the center of innovation, California needs to be the worldwide headquarters for nanotechnology. We’re asking this group to think big about the future of small technology.

The BRTFN will document its work in a series of white papers that analyze the direction and state of nanotechnology, followed by specific recommendations aimed at promoting Silicon Valley and California as the national and worldwide center of nanotechnology research, development, and commercialization. Congressman Honda will sponsor federal legislation necessary to advance BRTFN recommendations, while Controller Westly will coordinate state-level efforts.

The BRTFN has the potential to generate new state revenues from a multitude of job opportunities. The patents, royalties, and other economic effects of this industry could benefit the state budget for decades to come.