The National Enabling Technologies Strategy will support Australia’s participation in key international engagement activities. This involvement will ensure that Australian Government, industry and researchers benefit from international collaboration and standardisation activities. This includes involvement with three Working Parties of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and one International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Committee.
OECD Working Party on Nanotechnology
This Working Party was established in 2007 to advise upon emerging policy issues of science, technology and innovation related to the responsible development of nanotechnology. It also promotes international co-operation to facilitate research, development, and responsible commercialisation of nanotechnology in member countries and in non-member economies.
OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials
The Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials was established in 2006 to help member countries efficiently and effectively address the safety challenges of nanomaterials.
OECD Working Party on Biotechnology
The Working Party on Biotechnology (WPB) [
PDF 31 KB] develops policy advice on issues of science, research, technology and innovation related to biotechnology. The objective of the WPB is to assist the development, application and diffusion of innovative products, processes, infrastructure and services which contribute to sustainable economic growth, development and human welfare.
ISO Nanotechnology Committee, Technical Committee 229
The ISO established the Nanotechnology Committee, Technical Committee 229 (TC 229) in 2005 to address the growing need for standardisation of nanotechnology measurements. The department is also actively involved in the mirror committee to TC 229, NT:001, which is run by Standards Australia.
NT:001 is the mirror committee to TC 229, and is facilitated by Standards Australia. NT:001 ensures a coordinated national approach to Australia’s involvement in TC 229. The Australian Government will continue its participation in NT:001 under the Strategy. The Strategy has provided support to Standards Australia to continue the work of NT:001 and allow Australia’s continued participation in TC 229.