Nanotechnology in a Nanotechnology in a Developing Country Developing Country ––

Applications and Applications and ChallengesChallenges

Prof. Prof. BabajideBabajide AloAlo, , Ph.DPh.DUniversity of Lagos, NigeriaUniversity of Lagos, Nigeria

1.0 INTRODUCTION1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 NANO TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPING NATIONS2.0 NANO TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPING NATIONS

2.1 2.1 The Questions on the Potential Nature of Developing Country The Questions on the Potential Nature of Developing Country Engagement with NanotechnologyEngagement with Nanotechnology

2.22.2 Potential Benefits of Nanotechnology to Developing Potential Benefits of Nanotechnology to Developing CountriesCountries2.3 Does Nanotechnology have Relevance for Developing2.3 Does Nanotechnology have Relevance for DevelopingCountriesCountries’’ Agenda?Agenda?

3.0 STATUS of NANOTECH IN DEVELOPING NATIONS3.0 STATUS of NANOTECH IN DEVELOPING NATIONS

4.0 CHALLENGES OF NANOTECH IN DEVELOPING NATIONS4.0 CHALLENGES OF NANOTECH IN DEVELOPING NATIONS

5.0 ADDRESSING 5.0 ADDRESSING LDCsLDCs CHALLENGESCHALLENGES5.1 Global Fund5.1 Global Fund5.2 Partnerships for Countries in the Bottom Third of the 5.2 Partnerships for Countries in the Bottom Third of the HDI HDI RankingsRankings

6.06.0 CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Nanotechnology can be harnessed to address some of the Nanotechnology can be harnessed to address some of the world's most critical development problemsworld's most critical development problems

However, to our knowledge, there has been no systematic However, to our knowledge, there has been no systematic prioritization of applications of nanotechnology targeted prioritization of applications of nanotechnology targeted toward those challenges faced by the 5 billion people living toward those challenges faced by the 5 billion people living in the developing worldin the developing world

Although, it could give developing nations new ways to Although, it could give developing nations new ways to diagnose and treat diseases and make clean water more diagnose and treat diseases and make clean water more availableavailable

Nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials, as with Nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials, as with any new technology, may bring many advances to society any new technology, may bring many advances to society and benefits for the environment, but could also pose new and benefits for the environment, but could also pose new challenges in health, environment, safety and extensive challenges in health, environment, safety and extensive impacts on a rural societyimpacts on a rural society

"Nanotechnology has the potential to generate "Nanotechnology has the potential to generate enormous health benefits for the more than 5 enormous health benefits for the more than 5 billion people living in the developing worldbillion people living in the developing world””P.SingerP.Singer (2005)(2005)

As example, in the area of tuberculosis and rural As example, in the area of tuberculosis and rural health, nanotechnology has the potential to health, nanotechnology has the potential to empower a local response to challenges such as empower a local response to challenges such as the diagnosis and treatment of such infectious the diagnosis and treatment of such infectious diseasedisease

Like many past technologies, nanotechnology Like many past technologies, nanotechnology could be both relevant and appropriate to could be both relevant and appropriate to sustainable development practices in developing sustainable development practices in developing countriescountries

IssuesIssues

However, there is also a danger in viewing However, there is also a danger in viewing nanotechnology as a nanotechnology as a ‘‘solutionsolution’’ to developing country to developing country challengeschallenges

In some cases its application may undermine local In some cases its application may undermine local alternatives and more appropriate approaches to dealing alternatives and more appropriate approaches to dealing with the problems at handwith the problems at hand

As it is currently placed, nanotechnology is in danger of As it is currently placed, nanotechnology is in danger of replicating the inequitable trends as seen in developments replicating the inequitable trends as seen in developments in biotechnology with respect to the limited developing in biotechnology with respect to the limited developing countries participation in dialoguecountries participation in dialogue

As at now, global participation in the development of As at now, global participation in the development of nanotechnology policy and directions appears limited to the nanotechnology policy and directions appears limited to the U.S. and EuropeanU.S. and European--led effortsled efforts

With increasing marketWith increasing market--based barriers and limited developing based barriers and limited developing country participation on a number of levels, early signs are country participation on a number of levels, early signs are that nanotechnology will promote a greater global that nanotechnology will promote a greater global technological dividetechnological divide

Yet some developing countries could play a significant role in Yet some developing countries could play a significant role in the global development of nanotechnologythe global development of nanotechnology

Hence, we suggest as a universal requirement, increased Hence, we suggest as a universal requirement, increased empowerment of developing nations to participate in the onempowerment of developing nations to participate in the on--going nanotechnology development and evaluation processes going nanotechnology development and evaluation processes to ensure a full global contextualisation of nanotechnologyto ensure a full global contextualisation of nanotechnology

2.0 NANO TECHNOLOGY AND 2.0 NANO TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPING NATIONSDEVELOPING NATIONS

For the majority of developing countries, commodity production iFor the majority of developing countries, commodity production is s the backbone of the economy. the backbone of the economy. Historically, advances in science and Historically, advances in science and technology have also had profound impacts on commodity technology have also had profound impacts on commodity production and tradeproduction and trade

There are concerns that nanotechnology will change the There are concerns that nanotechnology will change the commodity markets, disrupt trade and eliminate jobscommodity markets, disrupt trade and eliminate jobs

While the developed world are seeking innovations and intellectuWhile the developed world are seeking innovations and intellectual al property on novel nanomaterials, devices and manufacturing property on novel nanomaterials, devices and manufacturing processes, commodity dependent developing countries are processes, commodity dependent developing countries are engaged in trying to gain a fuller understanding of the directioengaged in trying to gain a fuller understanding of the direction n and impacts of nanotechnologyand impacts of nanotechnology--induced technological induced technological transformations, and also determining how emerging technologies transformations, and also determining how emerging technologies could affect their futures could affect their futures

Some developing countries are struggling with the issues while Some developing countries are struggling with the issues while some are already harnessing nanotechnology to address some of some are already harnessing nanotechnology to address some of their most pressing needstheir most pressing needs

2.1 The Questions on the Potential 2.1 The Questions on the Potential Nature of Developing Country Nature of Developing Country

Engagement with NanotechnologyEngagement with NanotechnologyThe basic question is The basic question is ““Will nanotechnology, as Will nanotechnology, as DaarDaarsuggests, be suggests, be ““a profitable industry for countries in the a profitable industry for countries in the SouthSouth””? Or will it ? Or will it ““exploit the Southexploit the South”” and threaten and threaten developing country markets in primary production areas developing country markets in primary production areas such as agricultural produce and mineralssuch as agricultural produce and minerals??

Will developing countries play the role of the Will developing countries play the role of the ‘‘manufacturingmanufacturing--basebase’’ for nanotechnology innovation, inline for nanotechnology innovation, inline with the suggestion of with the suggestion of WhittinghamWhittingham and Batemanand Bateman’’s 2003 s 2003 ““costcost--benefit analysis of moving nanotechnology R&D and benefit analysis of moving nanotechnology R&D and manufacturing to Eastern European and developing manufacturing to Eastern European and developing countriescountries”” or are we going to be only receivers of the waste or are we going to be only receivers of the waste as we have seen in the computers and electronic waste as we have seen in the computers and electronic waste trade?trade?

2.2 Potential Benefits of Nanotechnology 2.2 Potential Benefits of Nanotechnology to Developing Countriesto Developing Countries

Some ten applications of nanotech which indeed could contribute Some ten applications of nanotech which indeed could contribute or assist developing nations to achieve the UN or assist developing nations to achieve the UN MDGsMDGs have been have been identified (Re: ETC Group Report, 2005)identified (Re: ETC Group Report, 2005)

The list of nanotech applications that are most likely to benefiThe list of nanotech applications that are most likely to benefit t the developing world in the near future are broadly related tothe developing world in the near future are broadly related to

energy storage, production and conversion; energy storage, production and conversion; enhancement of agricultural productivity; enhancement of agricultural productivity; water treatment and remediation; and water treatment and remediation; and the diagnosis and treatment of diseasethe diagnosis and treatment of disease

According to According to PiotrPiotr GrodzinskiGrodzinski "Nanotechnologies could "Nanotechnologies could revolutionize health care in developing countries,revolutionize health care in developing countries,”” ““and make and make treatments more readily available for diseases that claim milliotreatments more readily available for diseases that claim millions ns of lives around the world each year"of lives around the world each year"

Nanomaterials and nanomedical devices will play Nanomaterials and nanomedical devices will play increasingly critical and beneficial roles in safer drug increasingly critical and beneficial roles in safer drug delivery and improving the way developing nations delivery and improving the way developing nations diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious and diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious and nonnon--infectious diseases infectious diseases

Nanotechnology can empower local healthcare auxiliaries, Nanotechnology can empower local healthcare auxiliaries, in rural settings worldwide, to address diagnostic and in rural settings worldwide, to address diagnostic and therapeutic concerns by reducing reliance on trained therapeutic concerns by reducing reliance on trained specialists or technical assistance specialists or technical assistance

The challenge will however be the complexity and cost of The challenge will however be the complexity and cost of making such treatments available to a rural populace. making such treatments available to a rural populace. Hence the distribution of nanotechnology innovations Hence the distribution of nanotechnology innovations might be more gradual in some developing countries than might be more gradual in some developing countries than others others

Concern therefore is, will this be similar to the many Concern therefore is, will this be similar to the many promises of past technological revolutions that were promises of past technological revolutions that were challenged by the realities of global development and challenged by the realities of global development and domestic technology distribution?domestic technology distribution?

2.3 Does Nanotechnology have 2.3 Does Nanotechnology have Relevance for Developing Country Relevance for Developing Country

Agenda?Agenda?

Given the Given the ‘‘capital intensive, highcapital intensive, high--tech, science tech, science fictionfiction’’ branding it has received from much of the branding it has received from much of the developed world media; nanotechnology would developed world media; nanotechnology would appear highly incongruous with rural economies appear highly incongruous with rural economies development agendadevelopment agendaMany believe the promotion and debate about Many believe the promotion and debate about nanotechnology in developing countries threatens nanotechnology in developing countries threatens to divert and detract resources, political will and to divert and detract resources, political will and attention from the needs of the poor and could attention from the needs of the poor and could inhibit research necessary to inhibit research necessary to ““address societyaddress society’’s s problems in a systemic mannerproblems in a systemic manner””. . In addition to nanotechnology possibly promoting In addition to nanotechnology possibly promoting a a ‘‘technical fixtechnical fix’’ approachapproach, there is a concern that , there is a concern that high entry prices for new procedures and skills high entry prices for new procedures and skills are are ““very likely to exacerbate existing divisions very likely to exacerbate existing divisions between rich and poorbetween rich and poor..

3.0 STATUS of NANOTECH IN 3.0 STATUS of NANOTECH IN DEVELOPING NATIONSDEVELOPING NATIONS

Several developing countries have launched Several developing countries have launched nanotechnology initiatives in order to strengthen nanotechnology initiatives in order to strengthen their capacity and sustain economic growththeir capacity and sustain economic growth

These nations are directing their nanotechnology These nations are directing their nanotechnology innovation systems to address their more pressing innovation systems to address their more pressing needs. needs.

Countries like Brazil, India, China, South Korea, South Countries like Brazil, India, China, South Korea, South Africa and Thailand have significant nanotechnology Africa and Thailand have significant nanotechnology research initiatives and had established national research initiatives and had established national activities that are being directed toward the activities that are being directed toward the particular needs of the poorparticular needs of the poor

India's Department of Science and Technology India's Department of Science and Technology had invested $20 million over five years (2004had invested $20 million over five years (2004––2009) for their Nanomaterials Science and 2009) for their Nanomaterials Science and Technology Initiatives Technology Initiatives

The number of nanotechnology patent The number of nanotechnology patent applications from China ranks third in the world applications from China ranks third in the world behind the United States and Japan. behind the United States and Japan.

In Brazil, the projected budget for nanoscience In Brazil, the projected budget for nanoscience during the 2004during the 2004––2007 period was about $25 2007 period was about $25 million, and three institutes, four networks, and million, and three institutes, four networks, and approximately 300 scientists are working in approximately 300 scientists are working in nanotechnologynanotechnology

•• The South African Nanotechnology Initiative is a The South African Nanotechnology Initiative is a national network of academic researchers involved national network of academic researchers involved in areas such as nanophase catalysts, nanofiltration, in areas such as nanophase catalysts, nanofiltration, nanowires, nanotubes, and quantum dotsnanowires, nanotubes, and quantum dots

•• In Belarus, the promotion of the use of new In Belarus, the promotion of the use of new technologies including nanotechnologies is a priority, technologies including nanotechnologies is a priority, especially in the area of medicineespecially in the area of medicine

Nigeria, Thailand, The Philippines, South Africa, Nigeria, Thailand, The Philippines, South Africa, Brazil and Chile have some form of government Brazil and Chile have some form of government support and national funding programs are being support and national funding programs are being developed; whilst Mexico and Argentina had some developed; whilst Mexico and Argentina had some form of organised nanotechnology activity but no form of organised nanotechnology activity but no specific government funding yetspecific government funding yet

On the other hand the growing number of publications On the other hand the growing number of publications indicating a potential negative impact of some indicating a potential negative impact of some nanoparticlesnanoparticleson human health and the environment is raising public on human health and the environment is raising public concern because of the free trade of concern because of the free trade of nanoproductsnanoproducts. . There is an urgent need to facilitate scientific research on There is an urgent need to facilitate scientific research on advantages and disadvantages of advantages and disadvantages of nanonano--materials, materials, technologies and products use. technologies and products use.

•• But currently the evaluation of the risks for human health and But currently the evaluation of the risks for human health and the environment from the use of nanotechnologies, the environment from the use of nanotechnologies, nanomaterials and nanomaterials and nanoproductsnanoproducts and the associated need to and the associated need to consider preventive measures is not a priority of decisionconsider preventive measures is not a priority of decision--makers.makers.The assessment of risk should be carried out at both the The assessment of risk should be carried out at both the national and international levels. national and international levels. Sharing the information and experiences between countries Sharing the information and experiences between countries with different levels of economic development is a high with different levels of economic development is a high priority. priority. There should be wide dissemination of information that will There should be wide dissemination of information that will support the promotion of the use of new technologies for support the promotion of the use of new technologies for sustainable development and also support the protection of sustainable development and also support the protection of human health and the environment.human health and the environment.

New products that can impact negatively human New products that can impact negatively human health and environment are being mandated to health and environment are being mandated to include safety information or to be tested to get include safety information or to be tested to get permission to be sold in the domestic market. permission to be sold in the domestic market.

There are similar rules covering workers' health There are similar rules covering workers' health protection in case of the implementation of new protection in case of the implementation of new technologies. technologies.

Work has been initiated to establish a procedure Work has been initiated to establish a procedure for the registration of nanomaterials and for the registration of nanomaterials and nanoproductsnanoproducts based on an analysis of existing based on an analysis of existing information.information.

4.0 CHALLENGES OF NANOTECH IN 4.0 CHALLENGES OF NANOTECH IN DEVELOPING NATIONSDEVELOPING NATIONS

Economies mostly without a strong science base. Economies mostly without a strong science base. Competitiveness and agility in nanotechnology Competitiveness and agility in nanotechnology development demand sustained broad scientific development demand sustained broad scientific basebase

Lack of a strong industry baseLack of a strong industry base

Lack of ability to translate R&D investments into Lack of ability to translate R&D investments into economic outcomes as industry is dominated by economic outcomes as industry is dominated by multinationals; therefore R&D adoption decisions multinationals; therefore R&D adoption decisions taken outside the country taken outside the country

Resources for participation in front line science Resources for participation in front line science lackinglacking

High nanotech costs for acquisition of intellectual High nanotech costs for acquisition of intellectual property rights, nanotech infrastructure; lack of human property rights, nanotech infrastructure; lack of human and policy capacity; trade barriers, the political instability and policy capacity; trade barriers, the political instability in in LDCsLDCs constitute further barriers, although these are not constitute further barriers, although these are not unique to nanotechnologyunique to nanotechnology

Low average incomes and low government spending on Low average incomes and low government spending on R&D and even healthcare, in many R&D and even healthcare, in many LDCsLDCs worsens the worsens the scenario for nanotechnology to even be considered in scenario for nanotechnology to even be considered in lessless--developed countriesdeveloped countries

lack of a comprehensive standards infrastructure, lack of a comprehensive standards infrastructure, database or regulatory framework including protocols for database or regulatory framework including protocols for risk and life cycle assessment for nanotechnologies risk and life cycle assessment for nanotechnologies globally scares less developed countries from wanting to globally scares less developed countries from wanting to adopt the innovationadopt the innovation

This challenge is further exacerbated by a lack of tools to This challenge is further exacerbated by a lack of tools to assure quality and evaluate and mitigate hazards and assure quality and evaluate and mitigate hazards and risksrisks

Technology communication challenges especially Technology communication challenges especially --lack of educational materials in appropriate languagelack of educational materials in appropriate language--Poor public awareness or involvementPoor public awareness or involvement--Misuse of terminology (false advertising etc)Misuse of terminology (false advertising etc)--Inadequate linkages between actors in different Inadequate linkages between actors in different LDCsLDCsdue to due to language barrier, differences in policies, language barrier, differences in policies, standards, etcstandards, etc

Lack of capability to deal with novel ethical, legal and social Lack of capability to deal with novel ethical, legal and social implications whilst ensuring appropriate contextualisationimplications whilst ensuring appropriate contextualisation

Hence, it is difficult to convince communities to have Hence, it is difficult to convince communities to have confidence in the efficacy and safety of nanotechnology confidence in the efficacy and safety of nanotechnology productsproducts

Urgent demand for resources in manpower & infrastructure Urgent demand for resources in manpower & infrastructure for development far exceeds necessity for adoption of for development far exceeds necessity for adoption of ‘‘esotericesoteric’’ innovationsinnovations

Concerns that developed countries will benefit more from Concerns that developed countries will benefit more from nanotechnology and that developing countries will suffer nanotechnology and that developing countries will suffer more from potential risks (more from potential risks (e.ge.g occupational health and safety occupational health and safety standards may be lower, waste management and waste standards may be lower, waste management and waste disposal infrastructure may not be adequate for disposal infrastructure may not be adequate for nanomaterials and nanomaterials and nanonano--enabled products)enabled products)

The germane question is The germane question is ““Which countries will manufacture Which countries will manufacture and which will become Nanotechnology importers?and which will become Nanotechnology importers?””

Hence the potential of nanotechnology widening the Hence the potential of nanotechnology widening the development gap poses the greatest challenge. development gap poses the greatest challenge.

Indeed does Nanotechnology have Relevance to Developing Indeed does Nanotechnology have Relevance to Developing Country Agenda?Country Agenda?

5.0 ADDRESSING 5.0 ADDRESSING LDCsLDCsCHALLENGESCHALLENGES

All must be done to prevent the soAll must be done to prevent the so--called called ““nanonano--dividedivide””!!

5.1 GLOBAL FUND5.1 GLOBAL FUNDTo help the international community support the To help the international community support the application of nanotechnology to critical sustainable application of nanotechnology to critical sustainable development challenges in developing countries, including development challenges in developing countries, including health care, we recommend the typical initiative as health care, we recommend the typical initiative as suggested by various researchers especially Peter Singer suggested by various researchers especially Peter Singer et.alet.al. who have proposed a GLOBAL FUND within an . who have proposed a GLOBAL FUND within an initiative called initiative called ““Addressing Global Challenges Using Addressing Global Challenges Using Nanotechnology.Nanotechnology.””

This initiative will be modelled after the NIH/Bill and This initiative will be modelled after the NIH/Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Grand Challenges in Global Melinda Gates Foundation for Grand Challenges in Global Health in the Health in the LDCsLDCs; the initiative would be funded by ; the initiative would be funded by national and international foundations, and from national and international foundations, and from collaboration among nanotechnology initiatives in collaboration among nanotechnology initiatives in industrialized and developing countriesindustrialized and developing countries

Such a fund will assist developing nations to easily have Such a fund will assist developing nations to easily have access to these innovations through encouraging even access to these innovations through encouraging even amongst national governments, open access to publicly amongst national governments, open access to publicly funded research results and materials as well as some funded research results and materials as well as some privately funded research resultsprivately funded research results

Such a fund will ensure that responsible development of Such a fund will ensure that responsible development of nanotechnology must include benefits for people in both nanotechnology must include benefits for people in both rich and poor nations and at relatively low costrich and poor nations and at relatively low cost

This will require that careful attention will be paid to This will require that careful attention will be paid to possible risks nanotechnology poses for human health and possible risks nanotechnology poses for human health and the environment in both rich and poor countriesthe environment in both rich and poor countries

5.1 Partnerships for Countries in the 5.1 Partnerships for Countries in the Bottom Third of the HDI RankingsBottom Third of the HDI Rankings

No evidence to suggest any official R&D partnerships that No evidence to suggest any official R&D partnerships that include countries in the bottom third of the HDI rankings include countries in the bottom third of the HDI rankings existexist

Yet, with nanotechnology research underway in Thailand, Yet, with nanotechnology research underway in Thailand, South Africa, Pakistan, etc and expressions of interest South Africa, Pakistan, etc and expressions of interest from Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Swaziland, Ghana, Tanzania from Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Swaziland, Ghana, Tanzania and Afghanistan concerning an engagement with and Afghanistan concerning an engagement with nanotechnology, the opportunity exists for nanotechnology, the opportunity exists for nanotechnology partnerships to promote emerging nanotechnology partnerships to promote emerging science in some of the lessscience in some of the less--developed countriesdeveloped countries

In Africa, where nanotechnology research In Africa, where nanotechnology research ““has so far has so far been largely academic and disparatebeen largely academic and disparate””, regional , regional partnerships and pooling of resources, both virtual and partnerships and pooling of resources, both virtual and physical, may offer geographical and cultural advantages physical, may offer geographical and cultural advantages over transover trans--continental partnerships and present the continental partnerships and present the operative strategy for African engagement in operative strategy for African engagement in nanotechnology R&D.nanotechnology R&D.

6.0 CONCLUSIONS6.0 CONCLUSIONS•• For us in the developing world, nanotechnology is still For us in the developing world, nanotechnology is still

mostly a science of the future! mostly a science of the future!

•• Due to the rapidly growing nature of nanotech, it is Due to the rapidly growing nature of nanotech, it is important that both important that both ‘‘north and north and ‘‘southsouth’’ engage in engage in discussions to identify, develop and address global policy discussions to identify, develop and address global policy responses to promote responsible actions responses to promote responsible actions

•• These can include health, safety, moral, ethical, societal, These can include health, safety, moral, ethical, societal, legal and social utility concerns as it affects the worldlegal and social utility concerns as it affects the world’’s s poor and vulnerable groups. poor and vulnerable groups.

•• In view of the predicted great impact of nanotechnologies In view of the predicted great impact of nanotechnologies on the global economy, ecology, research and society, and on the global economy, ecology, research and society, and of the expected impending wideof the expected impending wide--spread use of spread use of nanomaterials, any possible risks should be URGENTLY nanomaterials, any possible risks should be URGENTLY studied by comprehensive, proactive risk estimation and studied by comprehensive, proactive risk estimation and assessment. assessment.

•• Based on the new information and knowledge gained on Based on the new information and knowledge gained on the associated safety and health risks of nanomaterials, the associated safety and health risks of nanomaterials, timely strategies targeted on providing guidance for safe timely strategies targeted on providing guidance for safe handling and use of nanomaterials in handling and use of nanomaterials in LDCsLDCs must be put in must be put in placeplace

•• Immediate establishment of a Global Fund to assist Immediate establishment of a Global Fund to assist developing countries cope with the delineated challenges developing countries cope with the delineated challenges of the innovation. of the innovation.

•• The anticipated unequal access to nanotechnological The anticipated unequal access to nanotechnological products between developed and developing countries products between developed and developing countries would be unfair and/or unjust, if would be unfair and/or unjust, if LDCsLDCs are not assisted to are not assisted to ““catchcatch--upup”” with these new technologies.with these new technologies.

Thank you for your listeningThank you for your listening