| Summary: |
The Australian Government, as part of its newly announced Super Science – Future Industries Initiative which invests in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and communications technology research infrastructure, has established the National Enabling Technologies Strategy (NETS). This Strategy builds on the work of the 2000-2008 National Biotechnology Strategy and the 2007-2009 National Nanotechnology Strategy, and will continue to provide a framework to support the responsible development of "enabling technologies." The themes and objectives of the Strategy are a national approach (Federal, State, and Territory levels); balancing risk/reward through an understanding of health, safety, environmental, social, and economic considerations; developing nanotechnology measurement capabilities through the National Measurement Institute (NMI), increasing public understanding of enabling technologies, including nanotechnology; increasing government, industry, and community awareness of the potential beneficial applications of enabling technologies and how they will address global challenges and increase productivity; and the Strategy will assist stakeholders in preparing for new technologies by supporting the development of policy and regulatory frameworks. |