One of the aims of NanoNed is to strengthen Dutch knowledge infrastructure  through a comprehensive knowledge transfer approach, leading to industrial nanotechnology applications (processes, products, services, general industrial activities). Besides, attention will be paid to societal output and the innovation proces. To this end, a Valorisation platform has been established that will play an important role in realising the valorisation targets by coaching and monitoring. Besides, users' committees are installed within each flagship. 

Nanotechnology is considered to be one of the key technologies for the 21st century and it already has a predicted market potential of several hundred billion euros (see MSTnews, market opportunities at the boundary from micro- to nanotechnology, Gerd Bachmann). In the majority of cases there is not a typical nanotechnology market. Instead nanotechnology research generates possibilities for creating better and cheaper products for our daily lives by using sustainable production processes. There would seem to be no limit to the number of possible applications. An increasing number of ideas for applications in various branches are being generated, as a result of which the potential economic value is continually increasing. If the Netherlands can create a clear focus on a number of markets then a lot of economic results could be gained with the knowledge acquired. 

This applies to the entire Dutch high-tech sector. Smaller companies (small to medium-sized firms and technology start-ups) can mainly prove their worth in the niche markets related to this technology area and in developing and introducing breakthrough technologies. The large companies play an important role at a macrolevel by redeeming the value of the knowledge in new product ideas. The involvement of both the larger companies and the small business start-ups is important for realising an integrated initiative in nanotechnology. 

There is a broad range of subjects that border nanotechnology and have interesting economic perspectives. It is expected that the Netherlands can assume an international position in these sectors, which is partly due to the involvement of large Dutch companies in the subjects concerned. The semi-conductor market can serve as an example. This market is already extremely important and the Netherlands also occupies a very strong position in it. The semiconductor industry is expected to be one of the first nano-industries. Therefore the technology for this market has a considerable economic significance.