The important role of micro and nanotechnology in the creation of new products and the difficulties faced by SME's in acquiring and exploiting these disruptive technologies

Although new technology can provide competitive advantage, there is often a communications gap between technology providers and potential users. In the development of the supply chain, universities, research institutes and technology transfer organisations each have a role to play. This paper describes some important applications for micro and nanotechnology and illustrates how the supply chain is developing.