KEEN-Regions - Knowledge and Excellence in European Nanotechnology - Regions

EU Commissioner Janez Potonik stated that “nanotechnology is an area which has highly promising prospects for turning fundamental research into successful innovations.” The potential applications of nanotechnology are wide-ranging and rapidly increasing, demonstrating a field that has the potential to act as a powerful catalyst for economic development. To gain a competitive position in this exciting terrain and to foster industrial innovation, EU research infrastructures require more and more resources: multidisciplinary competencies, investments for up-to-date technical equipments, skilled HR, and strong links to the business community. To this end, many well-established research centres in Europe are working in research-driven clusters, aggregates of key-players who are not just researchers, but networks of competitive companies and public authorities. This is the case of Veneto Nanotech (Veneto), Minatec (Rhone-Alps) and Gaia (Basque Country) , which together control more than 200 M€ public investments, 2000 researchers, and 200 research laboratories. If these 3 clusters are to collaborate, combining and integrating their enormous wealth of resources to increase synergies and to complement one another, it will create a huge potential for research and economic development at the EU level. This is precisely the goal of KEEN (Knowledge and Excellence in European Nanotechnology)-Regions. A three-step approach (mapping and analysis of existing resources, interactive exchanges and mutual learning, and a focused integration process) will lead to a Joint Action Plan, constructed by all interested stakeholders. Following a bottom-up philosophy and utilising the direct involvement of Regional Authorities, the JAP will ensure a quick and comprehensive implementation. KEEN also aims to eventually expand beyond these 3 clusters, exchanging methodologies and strategies with other EU clusters.