Nanotechnology

Contacts 

Since 2004 the High Technology and New Materials Area has recognized the enormous potential of nanotechnology to promote the growth of developing countries.

Various aspects related to the development of nanotechnology for the benefit of Developing Countries have been taken into due consideration.

First of all, efforts should be made to create in Developing Countries the preconditions for an effective transfer and a sustainable development of these new technologies, avoiding at the same time those potential negative impacts that may hamper their economic and social development.

Secondly, the high cost related to the development and/or transfer of these technologies must be carefully considered in the projects to be implemented in Developing Countries. Therefore it is extremely important to foresee contributions from regional and international financial institutions, which commit themselves in actively encouraging innovation by sharing the financial risk through grants and/or soft loans. Particularly, they should participate in the early-stage risk capital in Developing Countries for new technologies when there is a potential for international markets or the use of new technologies is meant to address major social needs.

Furthermore, the risks connected to the industrial applications of nano-scale technologies (eg. nano-particle toxicity, etc.) should also be taken into due account.

The main objectives of this core programme are the following :

• To promote and implement applied research projects and training of scientists, trainers and researchers in specific thematic areas of applied nanotechnology.
• To promote partnerships between academia, scientific and technological research centres and industry through, inter alia, the establishment and/or upgrading of innovation centres and their linkages with international networks.
• To evaluate nanotechnology in relation to the potential risks associated with their development and use.
• To share and promote North-South and South-South cooperation networks related to technologies and methodologies.
• To analyze regional pooling of existing infrastructures and capabilities, in order to establish regional fora and identify research institutions, foundations, and companies willing to participate to the fora and to jointly develop new nanotech products and services.

Contacts:

Graziano Bertogli, Area Chief

Emanuela Corazzi, Secretary

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