Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
the debate on nanotechnology since 2005 has been abundant in comparison
with other countries, there are concerns that corruption in the public sector
may reduce the level to which investment in nanotechnology will benefit
the whole population. The Argentinean government is taking a leading role
in nanotechnology development and international cooperation, which will
increase the chances that national sovereignty will be respected. Foreign
government and private investment in R&D in Argentina is currently lower
than the average in Latin America. It is unclear how structures of the global
knowledge economy influence the chances that Argentina may reap the ben-
efits of nanotechnology investment in the country. Educating students is part
of the national activities in nanotechnology; however, the numbers are rela-
tively low owing to a lack of funding. Whereas health and environmental
applications are among the priorities for nanotechnology research, it is not
clear how much poor people and the environment will benefit.
13.4.3 Brazil
Nanotechnology is included in the Action Plan for Science, Technology
and Innovation (PACTI 2007-2010) (MCT 2007), action line III: Research,
Development, and Innovation in strategic areas. It is one of two future car-
rying areas together with biotechnology. A wide range of economic sectors
relevant to the country are expected to benefit from applications of nano-
technology. The action plan includes strategy development, investment in
R&D, higher education and research infrastructure for nanotechnology,
and innovation support and technology transfer from academia to indus-
try. Concrete, measurable milestones are included that enable evaluation of
the policy. The total budget for nanotechnology in PACTI is R$69.99 (~€23)
million in 4 years, from MCT/FNDCT (National Fund for Scientific and
Technological Development) and MCT/other actions PPA.
1.
Public engagement:
The network on Nanotechnology, Society, and
Environment—RENANOSOMA aims to stimulate public dialogue on
the implications of nanotechnology for society and the environment.
This network is the initiative of social scientists and not included in
the national nanotechnology program. Brazilians involved in nano-
science and in RENANOSOMA give evidence of limited coopera-
tion between the social scientists cooperating in this network with
Brazilian nanoscientists and technologists. The public or stakeholder
debate on nanotechnology and society in Brazil appears to be rather
polarized (Martins et al. 2007).
2.
Respect national sovereignty:
The Brazilian government plays a clear
leading role in planning and managing nanotechnology research
in the country. International cooperation including North-South as
well as South-South collaborations is an integral part of this policy.
