Dr. Anna Gergely Presents on Nanotechnology to New European Commissioner

On February 18, Dr. Anna Gergely presented AmCham’s key messages on nanotechnologies to the new European Commissioner of Research and Innovation, Ms. Maire Geoghegan–Quinn. AmCham EU members outlined the challenges and obstacles to innovation in the three main areas: healthcare (presented by Eli Lilly), transport/energy (presented by Caterpillar), and nanotechnology (presented by Steptoe). Dr. Gergely, Chair of AmCham EU’s Nanotechnology Task Force, stressed that communication should be an essential part of the Research and Innovation portfolio because “industry can be a partner, not a target. A coordinated approach with the Commission would have a huge impact.” 

The high–profile event was attended by 44 AmCham members including HP, Microsoft, Honeywell, UTC, GE, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Daimler, Motorola, Michelin, Pfizer, Avon, J&J, and Johnson Controls. The new Commissioner entered into a lively discussion on how to handle potential public concerns about promising emerging technologies and said “I want Europe to be a vibrant innovation economy, a true ‘Innovation Union,’ where companies will want to do business and invest.”