The Center’s research program is designed as a systems-level analysis of nanoscale research and development, the global diffusion of nanotechnologies, and responses to nanotechnologies as they emerge. Research is organized within four interdisciplinary research groups:

IRG 1: Origins, Institutions, and Communities , seeks to develop a rich understanding of the historical underpinnings of the current landscape of the nano-enterprise.

IRG 2: the Innovation Group , looks at collaboration and innovation, patenting systems, and
technology transfer in the leading edge California innovation system and in comparison to UK,
France, Germany, and other sites.

IRG 3: Risk Perception and Media , focuses on publics’ and experts’ perceptions and social intelligence about nanotechnologies, media framing of nanotech risks and benefits, social amplification and attenuation of risk, methods for public deliberation, and collective action in response to emerging nanotechnologies.

IRG 4: Globalization and Nanotechnology , examines nanotechnology development under differing governmental approaches in China, Japan, and elsewhere in E. and S. Asia, to ask how different industrial policies in combination with international cooperation and collaboration among researchers, shape distinctive nanoscience and industry outcomes.

Important features of our collective approach are an integrated, participatory relationship with nanoscientists; a focus on specific nanotechnologies such as nanoelectronics, nanoparticles such as quantum dots, and nanoporous materials; comprehensive consideration of their applications in industries like electronics, energy, environmental, and health; and employment of advanced spatial analytic methods and a global framework for analysis.

All 4 IRGs are in active research and are generating research findings and disseminating them to a number of different kinds of audiences in publications and reports.