Survey: Nanoscience Should Be Priority

LAKE GEORGE, N.Y., Sept. 14 -- Nearly 90 percent of Americans believe that continued US global leadership in technology is important to the nation's economy, and more than 76 percent believe that funding for research into the new fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology should be a priority of both federal and state governments, according to the GolinHarris public relations firm. In an online survey of 400 respondents, 60 percent said the government should increase current funding levels for nanotechnology research.
The survey was conducted by GolinHarris in conjunction with Sawchuk Brown Associates, an Albany, NY-based PR agency, and the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) on Sept. 8-9. The survey results were released at the fourth annual Albany Symposium on Global Technology, being held this week in Lake George, N.Y.. The symposium is hosted by Albany NanoTech and The Center for Economic Growth.

"These results demonstrate that the American people understand that tomorrow's economic growth and national security depend on today's investments in scientific research," said Daryl Hatano, vice president for public policy at the SIA. "It is particularly telling that likely voters placed an even higher priority on US leadership in technology than respondents who indicated that they were not likely to vote."

Lane Bailey, worldwide director of public affairs and manager of the GolinHarris's nanoscience practice in Washington, said, "Americans clearly understand the importance of US global leadership in technology. While most Americans know little about nanoscience, when the applications of current research and the strong global competition are detailed, they feel strongly that the US must increase federal research spending to ensure American leadership in nanotechnology."

Other results from the GolinHarris survey include: 60% of Americans believe it is very important for state governments to also get involved in nanoscience research funding; 80% of Americans cannot name a single company that is a leader in nanotechnology development; and "the older you are, the more you understand the importance of US leadership. Younger Americans may take US technology leadership for granted."

For more information, visit: www.albanysymposium.org