Geopolitical Implications

Nanotechnology is expected to have profound economic, ecological, and social impacts on almost all societies. It is thought that it will produce entirely new materials and revolutionize production processes in virtually all branches of industry. As a result, this technology will become increasingly important in many areas of governmental policy making. Not since the Apollo Moon Program has any scientific research received more public funding than nanotechnology. Due to the fact that the definition of nanotechnology is highly contested, the geopolitical implications of nanotechnology are difficult to assess. In fact, it has thus far proven impossible to even agree on the appropriateness of the term.

Yet, for the most part nanotechnology is still in the stages of research and development (R&D), even though every week new nanolabeled products appear on the market. Despite difficulties in evaluating the relevance of nanotechnology on a global scale, it is possible to delineate certain tendencies in developments that have potential geopolitical implications. Such developments are the result of policy making and a variety of technological trends. The overall effect is that nanotechnology R&D programs restructure industrial countries in general and R&D policies in particular along competitive lines and integrate them into a knowledge-based economy.

Nanotechnology includes nanomaterials, nano-electronics and optoelectronics, bionanotechnology (including nanofood), nanomedicine, cosmetics, and applications in information and communication technology. Many nanolabeled applications and products are already available on the market, others will probably be available in the near future (5 to 10 years) and some may never—or only in the distant future—become a reality. In the semiconductor industry, for example, the first nanotechnology products that appeared increased storage densities on microchips; in the pharmaceutical industry, the first products were aimed at improving drug targeting and diagnostic aids.

However, the bulk of today's applications lie in the sphere of so-called nanoparticles (such as buckyballs and nanotubes). Nanoparticles are said to be able to contribute to stronger, lighter, cleaner, and “smarter” surfaces and systems. As yet, nanotechnology is not involved with creating entirely new products, but contributes to the enhancement of existing ones. nanoparticles are being used in a wide range of products: for [Page 278]example, in the form of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide ultraviolet (UV) protection in sun creams; in the manufacture of scratchproof glass; in lacquers and paints to provide better protection of surfaces against scratching, soiling or algae coverage; and in ceramic coatings for stronger solar cells.