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Forecasters and analysts anticipate the market size for microsystems and microtechnologies to be in the order of $25 billion by the year 2009 (NEXUS Market Study 2005). Markets for nanotechnology will, it is confidently predicted, exceed by far those for microtechnology particularly if all technology areas are considered, e.g. nanomaterials, nanocomposites, catalysts, coatings and nanobiotechnology. Most nanotechnology products will need microtechnologies at their interface to the real (macro) world. Underpinning these staggering market expectations on Micro Nano Technology (MNT) is an infrastructure of services, materials and equipment suppliers.
The life cycle of an MNT-based component is, in general, similar to that of most complex products, which rely on multi-disciplinary engineering. In essence, the realisation of a multi-functional MNT component will undergo an engineering design process aimed at transferring the technical concept from the "idea" phase to a commercialised product. However, with the convergence of disciplines such as physics, biology, and chemistry towards MNT development and manufacturing steps, a novel approach to interdisciplinary engineering, partnerships, and co-operation is inevitable. In this context, the differentiators for companies to be successful in the use of MNT for their product creation process will be the quality of their specific networks of partners, service suppliers, and availability of infrastructure. In order to optimally select from this array of enabling capabilities, wide-ranging Industry-based Intelligence is of vital importance. The enablingMNT team provides this type of information through the enablingMNT Industry Review series. In addition, customised research and specific consulting services in the areas described can be supplied on request.
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