Overview
ISO/TS 18110:2015 - Nanotechnologies - Vocabularies for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators is an international technical specification developed by ISO. Its purpose is to provide standardized definitions that delineate the boundaries of critical innovation indicators specifically for nanotechnology. By harmonizing terminology, this specification enables the consistent global assessment, measurement, and comparison of nanotechnology activities across science, technology, industry, and market domains. This unified vocabulary supports a clear understanding of nanotechnology developments for policymakers, researchers, investors, and businesses worldwide.
Key Topics
-
Standardized Vocabulary for Nanotechnology Indicators
ISO/TS 18110:2015 defines essential terms that underpin the measurement and reporting of nanotechnology activities. These definitions address key innovation indicators such as human resources, patents, publications, products, tools, enterprises, services, and market activities related to nanoscience and nanotechnology.
-
Clarification of Roles and Boundaries
The specification helps distinguish between related but distinct concepts, such as 'nanotechnology products' and 'nanotechnology services', as well as between 'human resources for nanoscience and nanotechnology' and 'nanotechnology jobs'.
-
Alignment with Existing Standards
Where appropriate, this specification draws from established ISO terminology (e.g., ISO 14040, ISO 14041, and ISO/TS 80004-1) to maintain coherence and avoid redundant definitions.
-
Support for Global Assessment
The harmonized language allows organizations, governments, and research institutions to collect, compare, and interpret data on nanotechnology innovation indicators internationally.
Applications
-
Measurement and Benchmarking
With clearly defined terms, organizations can develop or refine metrics for tracking progress in research, development, commercialization, and market penetration of nanotechnology. This enhances the reliability of economic, employment, and innovation studies.
-
Policy Making and Funding Decisions
Governments and agencies can more effectively assess the impact of public and private investments in nanotechnologies using universally understood indicators, guiding funding allocation and program assessments.
-
Business Strategy and Market Analysis
Companies can leverage standardized indicators to benchmark their nanotechnology activities, analyze the competitive landscape, and identify market opportunities or workforce needs.
-
Academic and Industry Reporting
Improved consistency in defining and reporting publications, patents, and human resource statistics ensures the credibility and usability of research and innovation performance reports.
-
Inter-organizational Collaboration
The shared vocabulary facilitates international projects, data sharing, and joint ventures by eliminating ambiguity over terminology relevant to nanotechnology innovation.
Related Standards
-
ISO/TS 80004-1: Nanotechnologies - Vocabulary
Provides a broader set of definitions for nanotechnology concepts referenced in ISO/TS 18110:2015.
-
ISO 14040 & ISO 14041: Environmental Management - Life Cycle Assessment
Include terminology related to product processes and intermediate products, utilized by ISO/TS 18110:2015.
-
OECD Canberra Manual
Offers definitions for science and technology human resources indicators, mirrored in the approach to nanotechnology HR indicators.
-
Oslo Manual (OECD/Eurostat)
Outlines guidelines for innovation product and process indicators, supporting harmonization efforts for technology indicators.
By adopting ISO/TS 18110:2015, organizations engage with current best practices for nanotechnology assessment, contributing to trustworthy innovation statistics and strategic development in the fast-evolving nanotechnology sector.