A recent WIPO report indicates that more than 20 percent growth rate (despite larger slow-down in PCT filings over all tech areas) has been observed in the microstructures/nanotech related technology in the 2008 PCT patent publications. This is particularly significant in view of a larger slow-down in the number of PCT filings over all technology areas. Whether this reflects an increase interest in such technology in 2008 and on or we are merely witnessing the result of such increase in interest long prior to 2008 remains to be seen.
For more information, follow the link to http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2009/article_0002.html