IRG 2 is engaged in comparative study of national policies aimed at promoting nanotechnology research, development and commercialization. The group examines how different industrial policies, in combination with international cooperation and collaboration among researchers, shape distinctive nanoscience and industry outcomes. Countries studied include the U.S., Mexico, China, Japan, and Korea, with newer studies focusing on other Latin American countries and East and South Asia. Field research and interviews are combined with an analysis of patent and publication data, drawn from a Globonano database consisting of more than 400,000 nano-related publications, patent data for over 80 countries, and an inventory of nano-related products.  IRG 2 is also concerned with workplace health and safety issues. The MacArthur Chair awarded in 2010 to IRG 2 leader Appelbaum enhances CNS’ focus on jobs, job creation, and workplace safety issues in the Pacific Rim. More

IRG 2 comprises: Rich Appelbaum, Group Leader and CNS Executive Committee Member; Frederick Block (UC Davis), Cong Cao (University of Nottingham, England), Guillermo Folodari (Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas), Edgar Záyago Lau (Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas), Stacey Frederick (Duke University), Matthew Gebbie (University of California, Santa Barbara), Gary Gereffi (Duke University), Shirley Han (University of California, Santa Barbara), Patrick Herron (Duke University), Timothy Lenoir (Duke University), Aashish Mehta (University of California, Santa Barbara), Yasuyuki Motoyama (Kauffman Foundation), Galen Stocking (University of California, Santa Barbara), and Rachel Parker (Science and Technology Policy Institute).

Research Projects: IRG 2’s researchers seek to better understand the interplay of national and transnational forces in shaping nanotechology development. At the national level, science and technology policy has been a driver of nanotechnology, with many countries (including China) modeling their approach on the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative. China, however, has pushed governmental support further towards the commercial end of the innovation/commercialization continuum in an effort to become globally competitive. Yet at the same time, nanotechnology R&D is highly globalized, through international collaborations, conferences, and institutional cooperative agreements.

IRG 2 Projects Include:

1: China's Developmental State: Becoming a 21st Century Nanotech Leader

2: Comparative Study of State Nanotechnology Policy: U.S., China, Japan

3: The implications of China's Move to High-Tech innovation for U.S. Policy

4: Drivers of Nanotechnology Commercialization in China: Patent Analysis

5: Comparative Statistical Analysis of Nano throughout the world

6: Global Value Chain Analysis

7: International Collaboration in Nanotech Research and Publication Quality

8: Contribution of Foreign-Born Scientists to Nanotechnology Innovation

9: UCMEXUS/CONACYT award