At the origins of nanotechnology: Discoveries and tough competition in the field of the carbon nanotubes

The present paper discusses some aspects of the research landscape related with nanotechnology, starting from Kroto’s announcement of the discovery of fullerene and Iijima’s seminal work on carbon nanotubes. In particular, we analyse the issue of competition within the nanotechnology research field, as regards both physical properties and performance of CNTs and the commitments of national states in boosting this research field. We also discuss the inherent interdisciplinary character of nanotechnological research and we offer some reflections on the looseness of disciplinary boundaries