There are major expectations that nanoscience and nanotechnology will create new applications and innovations and thereby major growth. Some 30 countries have initiated national strategies and initiatives for nanotechnological development. From an international perspective, Swedish nanotechnology is regarded as occupying a strong position in terms of knowledge and nanotechnology has been highlighted as a potential growth area for Swedish industry. Despite this, Sweden lacks a strategy for nanotechnological development. Designing a successful strategy requires an understanding of Swedish circumstances in an international context. VINNOVA's task includes identifying needs and developing effective innovation systems. There is currently no overall description of the innovation system in Sweden related to nanotechnology. The purpose of this study is to contribute to such a description and thus increase VINNOVA's and Sweden's awareness of nanotechnology from an innovation system perspective.