Nanotechnology concerns working with materials on an atomic level, which allows the development of new unique properties. In Sweden, around 85 companies today have some kind of connection with nanotechnology. Thirty-four of these are pure nanotech companies but over 51 companies use nanotechnology in their products.

”To develop new nanotech innovations, more companies in Sweden, which have strong research competence, need to come up with more finished applications which are internationally competitive so that they can grow and provide new jobs,” says Eugenia Perez, analyst at Vinnova, and one of the authors of the report.

ABB, Sandvik and Höganäs are just some of the large names which use the help of nanotechnology to strengthen their competitive edge. As are some smaller companies in more traditional industries, such as the glass producer Pilkington Floatglas.

The market for nanotechnology is expected, according to certain expectations, to reach SEK 7,000 billion and to create over two million jobs by 2015. Almost 30 countries have drawn up strategies and initiatives to develop the field of nanotechnology. The EU has also put forward a strategy for nanotechnology.