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The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is the U.S. Government’s crosscutting program that coordinates
Federal research and development (R&D) activities in nanoscale science, engineering, technology,
and related efforts among various participating agencies. The Federal Government launched the NNI
in FY 2001 with an initial $500 million budget to accelerate the development of nanotechnology. Over
the ensuing 10 years, with cumulative Federal spending of $12 billion, the NNI has played a key role in
positioning the United States as the world leader in both nanotechnology R&D and commercialization.
The NNI has also catalyzed State activities that leverage Federal investments with a focus on economic
growth and job creation. Indeed, nanotechnology appears slated to become an important contributor
to the economic growth of the United States over the coming decade and beyond.
Today, the NNI is a multi-agency initiative that now includes 25 Federal agencies, 15 of which in FY
2011 will have their own individual budgets for nanotechnology R&D. The NNI is managed within the
framework of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the Cabinet-level council by which
the President coordinates science and technology policy across the Federal Government. The Nanoscale
Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee of the NSTC coordinates the planning,
budgeting, program implementation, and review of the NNI. The National Nanotechnology Coordination
Office (NNCO) provides technical and administrative support to the NSET Subcommittee, serves as a
central point of contact for Federal nanotechnology R&D activities, and engages in public outreach on
behalf of the NNI. The NNCO also serves as a liaison to academia, industry, professional societies, foreign
organizations, and others to exchange technical and programmatic information. Additionally, the NNCO
coordinates preparation and publication of NNI interagency planning, budget, and assessment documents,
and maintains the NNI Web site, www.nano.gov.
The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-153) calls for
a National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel (NNAP) to periodically review the Federal nanotechnology
R&D program, that is, to review the NNI. The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
is designated by Executive Order to serve as the NNAP. PCAST’s first review of the NNI was issued in
2005, the second in 2008.
