Avoiding the Mistakes of Biotech: How Intellectual Property Can Be Better Managed to Advance Nanotechnology Research

Drawing on two reports, one on biotechnology and one on nanotechnology, this article discusses how we can learn from the mistakes made in respect to intellectual property in the biotechnology field to avoid future difficulties with respect to nanotechnology research. In particular, this article points to the importance of collaborations in advancing research and the key role of trust and communication in facilitating those collaborations.