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2004
Journal Article
Titel
Nanoscience and nanotechnology in Europe. Analysis of publications and patent applications including comparisons with the united states
Abstract
Europe is investing substantial amounts of money in nanoscience, and nanotechnology is becoming increasingly important in European investment circles. In this article, Thomas Heinze analyzes the development of nanotechnology in Europe and makes comparisons with the United States by studying two basic indicators, publications and patent applications. After a brief overview of the worldwide expansion of nanopublications and nanopatents and the share of different regions, disciplinary and patent specialization patterns of Europe and the United States are examined. Heinze provides a methodology for measuring the contribution of the public research sector to the knowledge base in nanotechnology by linking patent and publication databases. Rankings of the top 15 most productive public research institutions enable the reader to identify active European university and non-university research centers. Finally, a new internet-based search tool is introduced that allows one to download data on European nanotechnology at the organizational level.