Abstract
This chapter explores the geography of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is a novel, interdisciplinary study of the material properties of objects at very small scales (Porter and Youtie 2009). The foundations of the science were set over 30 years ago with the invention of scanning probe microscopy (Binnig et al. 1982). Now there is considerable hope that nanotechnology will lead to a range of new products and businesses. As a result policy-makers are today assessing the geographical incidence and economic consequences of this new technology.
The purpose of this chapter is to review a small but significant literature on nanotechnology policy. The review will synthesize a range of geographical theories from regional studies, economic geography and economic sociology. The chapter begins with a brief definition of nanotechnology, and a discussion of the funding and planning that promotes this new technology.
The purpose of this chapter is to review a small but significant literature on nanotechnology policy. The review will synthesize a range of geographical theories from regional studies, economic geography and economic sociology. The chapter begins with a brief definition of nanotechnology, and a discussion of the funding and planning that promotes this new technology.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Handbook on Geographies of Technology |
| Editors | Barney Warf |
| Chapter | 28 |
| Pages | 416-430 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Feb 2017 |
Keywords
- nanotechnology
- geographic perspective
- technology