Nanotechnology and the developing world.
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 165
ISBN-13: 9780494213278
Description: Nanotechnology can provide the developing world with tools to address some of its most critical development challenges. To date, there have been no formal studies to determine which concrete applications of nanotechnology might benefit less industrialized countries. My Thesis presents the first systematic identification and prioritization of the ten nanotechnology applications most likely to improve the quality of life in developing nations. Using a modified Delphi method, and with the collaboration of an international panel of 63 nanotechnology experts from both developed and developing countries, I determined that the top ten applications were: Energy storage, production, and conversion; agricultural productivity enhancement; water treatment and remediation; disease diagnosis and screening; drug delivery systems; food processing and storage; air pollution remediation; construction, health monitoring; and vector and pest detection and control. To further assess the impact of nanotechnology on sustainable development, I mapped the top ten applications to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. I conclude by proposing measures that both developed and developing countries can take to ensure that nanotechnology is directed against critical development challenges by carefully investigating both the potential risks and the benefits of this powerful emergent technology.
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-03, page: 1306.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

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