Title: Africa's nanofuture: the importance of regionalism

Authors: Robert M. Yawson

Addresses: Center for Science, Technology, and Public Policy, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota, 301-19th Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

Abstract: In the quest to be part of the global revolution in science, technology and innovation at the nano-scale (STI-NANO), African countries should cooperate on a regional basis. This paper discusses the problem of funding nanotechnology research in Africa and argues that regionalism as an overarching policy framework can help address the problem. The proposed policy approaches are evaluated based on affordability, resource mobility, awareness, acceptability and sustainability. The paper offers recommendations for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to secure a nanofuture for Africa.

Keywords: regionalism; innovation; nanotechnology; epistemic communities; regional collaboration; leapfrogging; Africa; public policy; affordability; resource mobility; awareness; acceptability; sustainability; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2011.040185

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2011 Vol.8 No.6/7, pp.420 - 436

Published online: 19 May 2011 *

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