Understand the Nanotech Numbers

We're all familiar with the headlines: The global nanotechnology market is slated to reach a gazillion simoleons by the year 2010. There's no doubting the potential of the technology or the fact that it's a growth area, but before you believe the numbers, take a closer look, advises consulting firm Nanowerk. Understand the research methodology — are they covering evolutionary nanotechnology or revolutionary nanotechnology? Who are they interviewing? How do they arrive at their top-line numbers? And, most important, how much of that very tasty sounding nanotechnology pie is already subscribed by incumbent players? Oh, and if you want to practice your newfound skills, try the new Research and Markets report, which forecasts a very encouraging 48.4% compound annual growth rate for nanotechnology through 2010.

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