Nanoelectronics Research Gaps and Recommendations: A Report from the International Planning Working Group on Nanoelectronics (IPWGN) [Commentary]

Nanotechnology exploded in scientific publications in the year 2000. It became clear in the subsequent years that the magnitude and opportunities offered in nanotechnology research and development exceeded the research capabilities of any single entity or any single region, and a new cooperative approach was needed. The first step to this approach consisted of fostering communication among leading researchers with the intent of facilitating subsequent cooperation. As such and as applicable to semiconductors and nanoelectronics, international cooperation and research coordination was instigated via the International Nanotechnology Conference on Communication and Cooperation (INC) initiative, leading the quest to narrow "research to a new product cycle" via a coordinated research strategy and funding initiatives towards solving the grand challenges.