Nanotechnology has emerged as an important field of research in science and technology. Conducted at the nanoscale level, which is 1 to 100 nanometers, nanotechnology has revolutionized our ability to see and control individual atoms and molecules, and has a wide range of applications in physics, chemistry, medicine, material sciences and engineering. As this technology involves study at the sub-atomic level, use of optical microscopes is an integral part of the entire process – which brings us to microscopy.
Microscopy, Nanotechnology and Europe
Microscopy is the blanket term for the process that involves the use of microscopes for the examination of objects that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. When it comes to nanotechnology, the use of microscopes is quite critical, as objects have to be studied at the nanoscale. In fact, microscopy and nanotechnology go hand-in-hand, which is why a number of governments and research organizations are investing heavily in its development.
While the US, Japan, China, and Canada have already established major research projects in nanotechnology, Europe has led the pack in terms of immense demand and growth not only in nanotechnology but also in the market of miniature electronic devices. In 2015, the European microscopy market stood at $926 million, and, according to analysts at Technavio, will reach 1.3 billion by 2020, recording a CAGR of around 7%.
What is driving the microscopy market in Europe?
Due to the presence of several international and regional vendors, the microscopy market in Europe is a highly fragmented one. However, this has in no way hindered the growth of this particular market – rather it has encouraged high competition, better research, and intelligent M&A (mergers and acquisition). The three major factors that have facilitated the enormous growth of the microscopy market in Europe are:
- High number of research and testing facilities in Western Europe
- High economic growth of the East European nations
- Extremely innovative manufacturers
These three factors also show that, for a technology to be successful, there needs to be a good investment climate, world-class research facilities, and high levels of innovation. Lack of any one of these building blocks is sure to hurt the growth of that particular technology.
With new image optimizing techniques, miniaturization of electronic devices, and availability of hybrid microscopes, Europe is poised to witness high quality research in the area of microscopy as well as nanotechnology. How this will help science in particular, and humanity in general can only be determined by the future. But the fact that nanotechnology has immense possibilities in Europe and beyond has certainly caught the attention of researchers and market analysts around the globe.
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