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UTS: Institute for Nanoscale Technology

Nanotechnology is receiving considerable attention by governments, universities and companies around the world.

The NanoEquity project, conducted since 2003 by Mr Don Maclurcan with the Institute for Nanoscale Technology, has mapped the global landscape of nanotechnology engagement and assessed barriers to countries participating in the fruits of its benefits.

Maclurcan's work has shown a surprisingly wide spread of national engagement with nanotechnology in both developing and developed countries (illustrated in the following figure). Yet, his work suggests that although there is understandable concern for a 'North-South' divide at the hands of nanotechnology, a greater concern may be nanotechnology's potential to create a 'South-South' divide.

There is no 'one path' for the national development of nanotechnology. Countries will experience different concerns and require different capacities to respond to the subtle and overt pressures nanotechnology creates. However, in developing countries, key barriers, beyond the identification of applications, may include the development of a critical mass in nanotechnology human resources, the involvement of the private sector, novel environmental and health risks and ways of negotiating increasing patent concentration in the North.

Dr Teerachai Pornsinsirirak, Assistant Director of NANOTEC in Thailand meets to discuss nanotechnology policy with Mr Maclurcan

In Thailand, for example, a national nanotechnology centre (NANOTEC) was formerly established in 2003. The country's early research has been focused on applying nanotechnology to support existing export industries via the creation of waterproof, more durable silks; 'smart packaging' to monitor and maintain the state of food; more productive wine fermentation; 'self-sterilising' rubber gloves; and new car body materials.