To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills (1) if he will increase the budget allocated in 2006-07 to support managed nanotechnology programmes; (152855)

The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and the research councils have the responsibility to determine both the detailed distribution of funding between their specific R and D and research priorities and the relevant funding mechanism.

More recently, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has undertaken studies on the socio-economic issues of nanotechnology:

“Nanotechnology: from the science to the social” was published in 2007 and follows up ESRC’s earlier analysis “The social and economic challenges of nanotechnology” published in 2003 9both available on ESRC website

http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/).

In addition, Research Councils UK has commissioned a study into developing a robust methodology for assessing future impact from Research Council investments. This should report by the end of the year.

The Engineering and physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is implementing a programme in nanoscience through engineering to application, in order to build on the platform of earlier investments and to realise the benefits of the technology for society and the economy Key features will be:

strong partnerships with the TSB to achieve pull-through to a range of sectors;

the participation of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and other research councils where relevant;

a grand challenge approach to identify the highest impact research areas;

leadership and co-ordination by a senior strategy advisor from the community.

Officials also sit on a new OECED working party on nanotechnology which will address a number of topics including impacts and business environment and the contribution of nanotechnology to addressing global challenges.