Nanotechnology has social and economic implications, and these topics should feature in the journal as well.

The principal aim of Nature Nanotechnology is to publish the most significant research in all areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology and, as a result, our authors are a diverse group. They are though made up primarily of physicists, chemists, materials scientists, engineers and biologists. Like all branches of science, nanotechnology also has social and economic implications, and in order to provide a complete picture of the field, these topics should feature in the journal as well.

Since late 2008, we have published social science research that explores the public perceptions of nanotechnology as Letters and Articles, our two primary research formats. (Before this, such work featured only in our Commentary section.) However, we have published only a handful of research papers on the topic.

To date, our coverage of the social and economic implications of nanotechnology has occurred primarily through the 'front half' of the journal. For example, our Thesis writers, and Chris Toumey in particular, often discuss historical, philosophical and social themes. Alternatively, we have published Commentaries on economic issues such as the insurability of nanotechnology and the development of the nanobiotechnology industry. Furthermore, we have published a focus issue on nanoscience education, which subsequently led to the launch of a regular page dedicated to education called In the Classroom. This page has featured perspectives from scientists, students and entrepreneurs.

But can we do more? There are certainly areas where we could increase our coverage. For example, papers on policy analysis, economic viability and the scalability of proof-of-principle demonstrations rarely reach our inbox, let alone publication. Such issues, along with work on public perception, are essential components in the development of nanotechnology. To deliver the complete picture of the field we strive for at the journal, we must also aim to publish significant opinions, analysis and original research in all of these topics.