Nanotechnology: A Realistic Market Assessment

Report Highlights

The global market for nanotechnology was valued at nearly $20.1 billion in 2011 and should reach $20.7 billion in 2012. Total sales are expected to reach $48.9 billion in 2017 after increasing at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.7%.

SCOPE OF REPORT

The global market for nanotechnology applications will be addressed.  Nanotechnology applications are defined comprehensively as the creation and utilization of materials, devices and systems through the manipulation of matter at scales of less than 100 nanometers.  The study covers nanomaterials (nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanostructured materials and nanocomposites), nanotools (nanolithography tools and scanning probe microscopes) and nanodevices (nanosensors and nanoelectronics).

A pragmatic decision was made to exclude certain types of materials and devices from the report that technically fit the definition of nanotechnology.  These exceptions include carbon black nanoparticles used to reinforce tires and other rubber products; photographic silver and dye nanoparticles; and activated carbon used for water filtration.  These materials were excluded because they have been used for decades, long before the concept of nanotechnology was born, and their huge volumes (especially carbon black and activated carbon) would tend to swamp the newer nanomaterials in the analysis.

In this case of pharmaceutical applications, this report measures the value of the particles that the particle manufacturer receives. Research dollars invested into designing better particles, or better delivery approaches, are not included. The value created through clinical trial success and eventual FDA approval and entrance as a prescription drug, are not included.

Nanoscale semiconductors are also excluded from the study, although the tools used to create them are included.  Unlike carbon black and activated carbon, nanoscale semiconductors are a relatively new development.  However, they have been analyzed comprehensively elsewhere, and, like carbon black and activated carbon, would tend to overwhelm other nanotechnologies by their sheer volume in the out-years towards 2017.

The study format includes the following major elements:

• Executive summary.
• Definitions.
• Milestones in the development of nanotechnology.
• Current and potential nanotechnology applications.
• Applications and end users with the greatest commercial potential through 2017.
• Global nanotechnology market trends, 2011 through 2017.
• Factors that will influence the long-term development of nanotechnology.
• Market shares and industry structure.

Analyst Credentials

Andrew McWilliams spent more than 25 years as a consultant with Ernst & Young, McKinsey & Company and A.T. Kearny focused on manufacturing before segueing into research analysis. He has been covering myriad technology categories for BCC Research for more than 15 years. McWilliams has a BA from Princeton University and an MA from Harvard University. He has worked in more than 40 countries and he resides in the greater Boston area.