This concept paper shall prepare the ecosystem for global collaboration in selected fields of action (see pillars), enabling “collaboration without borders” within joint projects, joint funding initiatives, and any further way of cooperation. Based on the idea of a “network of networks”, the “international network initiative on safe and sustainable nanotechnology” (INISS-nano) was formed, aiming to bring together science, industry and government from partners all over the world, not duplicating structures but connecting with them (e.g. NSC, ANF, EC & JRC, EU-US-CoR’s, standardisation bodies (such as CEN, ISO, ASTM, etc.), OECD & BIAC, ECHA). The focus shall be on the collaboration in different fields pertaining to nanotechnology research in general and nano-safety research in particular. This shall include collaboration in terms of e.g. training, standardisation efforts, test-guidelines development, metrology, commercialisation, ethical aspects, sustainability, and joint research, supporting governance, regulatory guidance, and of course being open for further joint working items.