Finns' interest in nanotechnology has never been greater. "The technological development has reached the level where an increasing number of people can exploit and apply things happening on the nanoscale," says Dr Markku Lämsä, at the National Technology Agency of Finland Tekes.

More than one hundred applications came for the five-year FinNano research programme, which was started in February by Tekes. This shows the amount of interest, even if it was not a surprise.

"FinNano is the second Finnish investment in nanotechnology. Mid-way through the 1990s Finland was one of the leading countries when nanotechnology programmes were started throughout the world," Lämsä points out.

Possibilities on offer

The main aim of FinNano is to strengthen the existing know-how and construct new know-how in carefully chosen areas of emphasis.

"We want to improve the exploitation and application of research knowledge in companies. We will be aiming to encourage companies to see the many possibilities on offer in nanotechnology. This will make it possible to commercialize and market products more quickly. Taking Finnish nano research abroad is also an important aim.

Materials and electronics

The idea behind the nanotechnology programme is to study, exploit and commercialize nanoscale systems and phenomena occurring on a nanoscale. The programme will focus on three areas: innovative nanostructured materials, nanosensors and nanoactuators, and new nanoelectronics solutions.

The focal areas were chosen on the basis of recognition of the starting situation and a forecast of the future. We believe the directing of small resources to these areas will be more effective. Finland has good know-how in materials technology and electronics. We have a strong IT cluster, which can adopt new technology quickly," Lämsä explains.

According to a Tekes survey, there are some 60 companies in Finland that are now researching and exploiting nanotechnology.

Good scientific know-how

In connection with the programme Tekes charted Finland's international position in nanotechnology. "The number of publications has risen steadily and in terms of population Finland is placed in ninth position, which I feel is excellent. This is an indication of the good scientific know-how," he feels.

The charting revealed, however, that the number of patents is minimal, which shows shortcomings in exploiting and applying research results. The FinNano programme will exploit the good starting position in Finland and improve the commercialization of research results.

"Worldwide investment in nanotechnology last year amounted to 8.4 billion euros. I see no signs of this falling in the future," Lämsä says.

In the EU's forthcoming seventh Framework Programme nanotechnology will be receiving almost 5 billion euros. Business expectations are high and the sector is expected to grow by 30 to 40 per cent annually. In 2010 the global market for nanotechnology is expected to be between 800 and 1,100 billion euros.

"Growth is expected in particular in electronics and materials. We want to be involved in this growth," Lämsä stresses.

Nano gives competitive edge to Finland

One of the most important policies in Tekes's restructured technology strategy is the reinforcing of traditionally strong Finnish areas of activity and clusters. The position of nanotechnology in the strategy has been raised by making it a know-how-responsive focal area alongside the more traditional information, materials technology and biotechnology.

"We believe that nanotechnology will provide Finland with a competitive edge that will benefit companies already first established on the market. Because nanotechnology is primarily an enabling technology, the products can be very wide-ranging. They are based on new materials, modification of surfaces and nano phenomena. An enormous number of applications will be coming onto the market around 2010," says Dr Markku Lämsä of Tekes.

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Fullerene, a molecule that consists of carbon atoms, can be modified into a nanotube, which will be very important in the future.