With its assessment and linking of study reports into a coherent narrative, this book accurately describes the technological and economic opportunities of nanotechnology in all important sectors of industry affected. As such, it provides an in depth-analysis within the context of product groups and lead markets on the international level, with the focus on Germany. Much cited internationally, Gerd Bachmann applies a so-called method mix to avoid the weaknesses of other studies conducted purely using quantitative research methods, which leave too many white spots to enable an accurate analysis. Also includes proofs for market potential based on patent data.

THE KEY RESULTS AT A GLANCE1 INTRODUCTIONBackground and Definition of the TopicMethodological RemarksStructure of the Study2 REMARKS ON NANOTECHNOLOGYDefining Nanotechnology Bottom-up and Top-down StrategiesNew Effects Caused by Nanomanufacturing Thematic and Structural InterdisciplinarityMajor Players in GermanyGerman Activities in International Comparison3 APPLICATION AND MARKET PERSPECTIVES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN PRODUCTS AND PRODUCT GROUPSRemarks on Literature AnalysisNanomaterialsNanoelectronicsNanoopticsNanobiotechnologyNanotools/NanoanalyticsApplication and Market Potentials at a Glance4 PROOFS FOR MARKET POTENTIALS IN PATENT DATAMethodological RemarksNanotechnology Patents in GeneralNanotechnology Patents in ChemistryNanotechnology Patents in OpticsNanotechnology Patents in the Automotive IndustryNanotechnology Patents in Medical Technology and Life SciencesNanotechnology Patents at a Glance5 EMBEDDING AND APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN GERMAN COMPANIESObjective of the Company SurveyMethodological RemarksStructural Data of CompaniesCurrent Importance of NanotechnologyFuture Developments in NanotechnologyFuture Steps and Barriers in Nanotechnology DevelopmentSignificance of Nanotechnology in Small and Large CompaniesKey Results of the Company Survey at a Glance 6 MARKET POTENTIALS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN LEAD MARKETSMethodological Remarks Acquiring Chances in Lead MarketsChemistryAutomotive IndustryOpticsMedical Technology and Life SciencesElectronicsMarket Potentials and Time Horizon at a Glance7 MARKET ASSESSMENT - CONCLUSIONS FOR GERMANYMethodological Remarks German Companies and the Markets of NanotechnologyReadiness for Use Barriers for Innovation and DiffusionEmployment Effects and QualificationGermany in International ComparisonOutlookMarket Assessment at a Glance8 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONSLITERATUREAPPENDIXQuestionnaire for Expert Interviews Questionnaire for Company Survey