Nanomedicine: Drivers for development and possible impacts

Nanobiotechnological applications in the medical area belong to the most advanced and promising fields. As the field of nanobiotechnology is rather young, a comprehensive picture of the state-of-the-art of research and commercial anobiotechnology activities in Europe is still missing. Furthermore, to enable the exploitation of this technology and a proactive approach to increase European competitiveness, information is needed on future directions of nanobiotechnology applications and on possible drivers and barriers for its development. The objectives of the study are to: provide a comprehensive picture on nanobiotechnology R&D and commercial activities related to the medical sector in Europe identify and analyse drivers and challenges influencing the development and implementation of nanobiotechnology applications and products identify with a prospective view possible socio-economic impacts of nanobiotechnology applications in the medical sector.