Molecular materials and its technology: disruptive impact on industrial and socio-economic areas

This paper discusses the economic, health and social potential of nanotechnology. This involves the development of techniques for the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. These new materials can perform multiple functions and be economically produced in large quantities, and hence have the potential for replacing existing technologies and materials in socially and economically disruptive ways. The paper raises some ethical, social and moral concerns arising from the capabilities of such materials, and discusses possible ways to regulate the growth of nanotechnology and allow the society to reap the benefits.