5. Outlook and development

Nanotechnology will be a dominant force in economic growth over the coming decades, and is set to become a strategic platform for development. The figures speak for themselves: economists believe that nanotechnologies could be at the root of a new industrial revolution for the 21st century. The global revenue generated in 2001 was in excess of €40 billion, rising to €700 billion in 2008 and reaching €1,000 billion in 2010. Wood and wood fiber can be transformed into nanomaterials and high value-added intermediates, which could be used to manufacture a variety of advanced and unique products. Many of the new products will be based on a nanomaterial derived from plants: nanocellulose. This nanomaterial is likely to have a bright future. Research shows that it has remarkable properties, some of which are quite unique, others comparable to those of well-known nanomaterials.

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