Networks are crucial in nanotechnology for several reasons: 1. Collaboration: They foster interdisciplinary collaboration, essential for tackling complex problems in nanotechnology that require expertise from physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. 2. Resource Sharing: They enable the sharing of expensive and sophisticated equipment, such as electron microscopes and nanofabrication tools, which may not be accessible to all individual researchers or institutions. 3. Standardization: Networks help in the development and adoption of standardized protocols and methodologies, which are vital for reproducibility and comparability of research outcomes. 4. Funding and Grants: Collaborative networks often have better access to funding opportunities from governmental and private entities, as they demonstrate a collective capability and a broader impact.
