Is nanotechnology the next gold rush? Not without standards!

This paper introduces the standards for terminology, materials, devices, systems, and processes that involve nanoscale science or technology will allow for order in the marketplace and for R&D researchers and engineers to make measurements and report data consistently in a way that everyone can accept. Standards are needed in order to achieve a high degree of interoperability, create order in the marketplace, simplify production requirements, manage the potential for adverse environmental impacts, and above all, ensure the safety and health of those of us who will be developing and using the next generation of materials and devices.The gold in nanotechnology will be for those that develop the next best material, or the next electronic component that is cheaper, better, and faster than today´s CMOS technology, and the tools that will be needed to produce both the materials, and devices.