The practical application of nanotechnology still faces many challenges.

All of the substances in our world are composed of combinations of a little over one hundred different kinds of atoms. In other words, variations in the combination of atoms involved, the way they are arranged and the overall size of molecules created can generate a countless variety of substances.

We don't understand the properties of all such variations. If anything, what we don't know far exceeds what we do know. This is why we first need to expand our store of basic information on the various combinations of atoms.

We do know, however, that the rearrangement of just a few atoms in nano-sized materials can change their properties dramatically, which means that every single atom needs to be handled carefully. This will require precision that far exceeds any existing manufacturing processes, including processes carried out in semiconductor plants that can be hindered by just a few particles of dust in one cubic meter of air. Manufacturing and control at the atomic level will no doubt entail processes different from current technology.

Nanotechnology is a core technology that will shape the 21st century, but is also one that has no predecessors. As such, nurturing of human resources and establishing a framework for conducting sustained, long-term research are also major challenges that need to be addressed.