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.