Search

The author analyzes the growth of nanotechnology on a geographical basis according to the scientific papers presented, patent applications filed and funding received. Based on public funding, United States leads the research and development followed by Japan and European Community. Total number of patent applications filed between 1995 and 2003 are presented. The author concludes that relatively high public funding and infrastructure will contribute to the growth of nanotechnology in Europe.

The article presents an analysis of data on patent publications from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) between 1976 and 2006. It has been found that the USPTO had granted 7,406 nanotechnology patents during the period, which was about two times the number granted by the EPO and over six times the number granted by the JPO. The three distinct phases in the history of nanotechnology were also studied.