Nanotechnology and Developing Countries – Part 2: What Realities?

Abstract

Drawing on search-engine data gained from combining the term ‘nano’ with the title of every economy recognised by the World Bank, the research to be described here highlights a widespread developing country engagement with nanotechnology research and development. Subsequent investigation reveals that the orientation of developing country engagement is distant from nanotechnology’s ‘social development’ applications, often cited as most applicable to developing countries. The ability of less-developed countries to engage with nanotechnology R&D is explored along with current mechanisms to facilitate partnerships and access to information. The additional analysis of health-related patents confirms that the ‘nano-divide’ is already here. With China constituting the bulk of patents from the South, the divide is not just between the developed and developing world, it extends to within the developing world. An assessment of participation in international nanotechnology policy and dialogue highlights low levels of developing country representation, supporting the overall argument that nanotechnology may be set to follow the path of past technologies in creating a greater global technological divide.