Frictions in the interface between nanotechnology research and standardisation in Germany

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are science fields which are growing extremely dynami-cally. Germany occupies a top position in these fields, not only in Europe but also worldwide, behind the USA, which can be attributed to growing research promotion on the part of the state. Market success of nanotechnology applications depends very much on the development of corresponding Standards, which clarify not only terminology, measurement and testing methods, but also regulate safety and health aspects and specify interfaces. Other countries, respectively European and international Standardisation organisations have launched first ini