Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
to identify bottlenecks for sustainable nanotechnology development in those
countries and what role international cooperation could play.
13.4.2 Argentina
The Argentinean government has developed prospective “Bases for a Strategic
Medium Term Plan in ST&I” (SECyT 2005) in a stakeholder dialogue involving
hundreds of experts and stakeholders. The main aim of this exercise was to
develop a strategy for sustainable development. Its feasibility depends on
the generated willingness to rethink the country, based on equality, respon-
sible use of natural resources, technological development, and strengthening
education on all levels. This scenario is the preferred middle road between a
pendulum scenario characterized by large swings in the economy and soci-
ety without real development and a scenario of compulsive opening as tried
in the 1990s. Nanotechnology is included as one of the technological areas
with emphasis. Nanotechnology research in Argentina is still in an early
stage of development. Therefore, the main priorities in policy are to develop
basic research capacities for nanotechnology in networks inside Argentina
as well as in MERCOSUR and in international cooperation.
Applications of nanotechnology include
• Molecular electronics (logic and energy storage)
• Advanced and intelligent materials (e.g., screens and displays)
• Sensors and biosensors (especially for food quality, environment,
medicine, and bioterrorism)
• Diagnostics and medical therapy
• Cosmetics
The experts and stakeholders proposed several measures for improving
the innovation system for nanotechnology, including strengthening and
articulating networks and creating and revising interface mechanisms with
the productive sector (SECyT 2005).
Nanotechnology is among the thematic priority areas for scientific and
technological development in the Bicentennial Strategic Plan 2006-2010, one
of the plans following from the bases-scenario exercise. Nanotechnology is
expected to contribute to five out of nine problem-opportunity areas:
• Competitiveness of industry and modernization of its production
methods
• Competitiveness and sustainable diversification of agricultural
production
• Knowledge and sustainable use of natural renewable resources and
protection of the environment
