At this stage, it is impossible to predict the exact course the nanotechnology revolution will take and, therefore, its effect on our daily lives. We can, however, be reasonably sure that nanotechnology will have a profound impact on the future development of many commercial sectors. The impact will likely be greatest in the strategic nanoelectronics (ICT nanoscale devices - NanoICT) sector, currently one of the key enabling technologies for sustainable and competitive growth in Europe, where the demand for technologies permitting faster processing of data at lower costs will remain undiminished.

Considering the fast and continuous evolvements in the inter-disciplinary field of Nanotechnology and in particular of “ICT nanoscale devices”, initiatives such as the nanoICT Coordination Action(1) should identify and monitor the new emerging fields research drivers of interest for this Community and put in place instruments/measures to address them.

One of the main challenges is the timely identification and substantiation of new directions for the physical realisation of ICT beyond CMOS that have a high potential for significant breakthrough and that may become the foundations of the information and communication technologies and innovations of tomorrow.

Therefore, the first version of the nanoICT research agenda provides focus and accelerate progress in identified R&D directions and priorities for the “nanoscale ICT devices and systems” FET proactive program and guide public research institutions, keeping Europe at the forefront in research.

In addition, it aims to be a valid source of guidance, not only for the nanoICT scientific community but also for the industry (roadmapping issues), providing the latest developments in the field of emerging nano devices that appear promising for future take up by the industry.

This first version of the research agenda is an open document to comments and/or suggestions and covers a very wide range of interdisciplinary areas of research and development, such as Mono-Molecular electronics, Bioelectronics, NEMS, Nanotubes, Modelling, etc. providing insights in these areas, currently very active worldwide.

Expected impact of initiatives such as this nanoICT research agenda is to enhance visibility, communication and networking between specialists in several fields, facilitate rapid information flow, look for areas of common ground between different technologies and therefore shape and consolidate the European research community.

I hope you will enjoy reading this document and look forward to the next edition beginning of 2011 which will explore some new nanoICT related research areas such as Spintronics, Nanophotonics and Nanophononics. Please contact coordinators of the working groups if you are interested in providing a comment or would like to see your research featured in future editions.
The editor
Dr. Antonio Correia - Coordinator of the nanoICT CA
Phantoms Foundation (Madrid, Spain)

(1) www.nanoICT.org