Africa’s Nanofuture: The Importance of Regionalism

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 article discusses the problem of funding nanotechnology research in Africa and argues that regionalism as an overarching policy framework can help address the problem. Proposed policy approaches are evaluated based on affordability, resource mobility, awareness, acceptability, and sustainability. The article offers recommendations for science, technology, and innovation to secure a nanofuture for Africa.

Keywords: Regionalism, Innovation, Nanotechnology, Epistemic Communities, Collaboratory, Leapfrogging