It is largely acknowledged that nanotechnology could be the first disruptive technology of the XXI century and that its diffusion can start a new technological revolution. Few industries will escape the effects of nanotechnology which can reshape the industrial landscape, put in jeopardy or even tilt established positions, give way to new opportunities for growth and occupation. The failure to answer their challenge can endanger the future competitive position of a great part of the economy of a country and therefore it is vital to build up at all levels a strong commitment in this field.

AIRI, the Italian Association for Industrial Research, is well aware of the risk and to live up to its mission has promoted the creation of Nanotec IT with the aim of stimulating the activity on nanotechnology in Italy and help to establish a competitive nanotechnology based national industry.

The Nanotec IT action will help to: increase the awareness for these technologies and their role in shaping the future industrial evolution; Х• create the conditions for their growth and diffusion; increase the number of enterprises developing and applying nanotechnology; Х• encourage the creation of new businesses; favour the diffusion of new products and processes.