Beyond Imagination

Mistra, Zamanzima Mazibuko

Description

Nanotechnology is sweeping the world. This science of very small particles, which includes genetic modification and the reconfiguring of the arrangement of atoms, presents possibilities beyond imagination. It also has huge implications for all South Africans, especially at home.
How exactly is this new technology playing out in South Africa? In countries like India, nanotechnology is being supported as a source of income and innovation. It has the potential to improve both the human condition and a country’s productivity and competitiveness.
Is South Africa doing what it should and could to foster nanotechnology and biotechnology, and to advance bioeconomies within the country? And what does the new technology mean for us as consumers? How many of us know that this technology is already being employed in substances like suntan cream and lipstick, with potential health implications for users?
The application of nanotechnology poses risks as well as huge benefits, so we need to be particularly vigilant of the ethics and dangers of it. This book provokes discussion around these important topics and relays eyeopening information to those of us who thought all of this was sci-fi.

Informations

• Publié par: The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA)
• Date de parution: 28 décembre 2018
• Nombre de lectures: 2
• EAN13: 9780639986685
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

First published by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) in 2018
142 Western Service Rd
Woodmead
Johannesburg, 2191
ISBN 978-0-6399238-0-2
© MISTRA, 2018
Production and design by Jacana Media, 2018
Editor in chief: Joel Netshitenzhe
Text editor: Terry Shakinovsky
Copy editor: Megan Mance
Proofreader: Lara Jacob
Designer: Shawn Paikin
Set in Stempel Garamond 10.5/15pt
Printed and bound by ABC Press, Cape Town
Job no. 003241
When citing this publication, please list the publisher as MISTRA.
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without prior written permission of both the copyright holder and the publisher of the book.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of contributors
List of abbreviations
Introduction: The dynamics of new and emerging technologies in developing countries and the new role of the state
– Radhika Perrot
Chapter 1: The advancement of nanotechnology: A sustainable development or an untenable vision?
– Zamanzima Mazibuko
Chapter 2: Nanoscience, nanotechnology, nanomaterials and nanotoxicology in South Africa
– Puleng Matatiele, Natasha Sanabria, Melissa Vetten & Mary Gulumian
Chapter 3: Envisioning and engaging the societal implications of nanotechnology: Is it too early for Africa to do nanoethics?
– Hailemichael T Demissie
Chapter 4: Diseases of poverty: Nanomedicine research in South Africa
– Thomas S Woodson
Chapter 5: Building a bio-economy in South Africa: Lessons from biotechnology innovation networks in Taiwan
– Shih-Hsin Chen & Thomas S Woodson
Chapter 6: What can South Africa learn from high technology patents in India: An analysis of biotechnology patents through USPTO
– Swapan Kumar Patra & Mammo Muchie
Chapter 7: The proliferation of stem cell research and therapy in South Africa and India: A comparative study
– Shashank S Tiwari
Concluding remarks: Building the knowledge economy: Current strategies and developments in South Africa
– Zamanzima Mazibuko
Index
Preface
T ECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS ARE CRITICAL for the improvement of the human condition. They also have the potential to improve a country’s productivity and competitiveness.
Biotechnology and nanotechnology are the most eminent emerging technologies and are anticipated to be instrumental in addressing global challenges and societal needs. They are reshaping the landscape of science and technology and have become part of national research agendas. Indeed, the science of very small particles – the possibility to reconfigure the arrangement of atoms, the capacity to modify biological cells to improve performance and correct abnormalities – all these present possibilities beyond imagination. But, precisely because of their potency, these technologies also pose risks. It is in the intersection between pursuing benefits and managing risks that exuberance should be tempered by vigilance.
South Africa has embraced the promise of new possibilities that nanotechnology and biotechnology present. This is outlined in relevant national strategies. Led by the Department of Science and Technology, the country seeks to utilise nanotechnology and bio-economics to drive research and development, develop human resources, encourage innovative entrepreneurship, improve demographic inclusivity, improve human health, promote environmental sustainability and ensure food security.
This book, on the application and ethics of biotechnology and bio-economics, seeks to assess the progress that South Africa has made and the lessons it can draw from relevant international experiences.
The authors argue that the application of nanotechnology should be accompanied by an appreciation of nanotoxicity and nanoethics. Similarly, biotechnology should factor in bioethics and the dangers of genetic modification. At the core of this argument is that technology can make maximum social impact only if it brings into play social considerations found in the humanities and social sciences. Transdisciplinarity should be seen as a necessity rather than an afterthought.
While the application of nanotechnology has a long history, going back thousands of years, it is in the context of current technological advancement that the full impact of the technology can be understood. In this context, it is possible to trace the starting material, the invasive routes it follows in a biological setting and ultimately nanowaste. A critical consideration in this regard should be to protect users, researchers and others who interact with nanomaterial.
The book also reflects on the place and role of nanotechnology and bio-economics in a developmental setting. This applies to the orientation of the research, to ensure that it addresses the needs of the majority. It also relates to the role of the private sector and the global partnerships that developing countries can forge with public, private and research institutions. Developing countries, particularly in Africa, should pool their resources and exercise sovereignty so the partnerships they forge address their interests. At the same time, they should develop a corps of skilled personnel with whom the international partners can work. It is against this background that some of the chapters encompass comparative reflections, from which South Africa and the rest of the continent can draw relevant lessons.
The vitality of the chain of research, application and commercialisation is fundamental to maximising the benefit of these technologies. This requires requisite allocation of resources and an appropriate national system of innovation that brings together researchers, government and the private sector.
While South Africa has made appreciable progress in pursuing nanotechnology and bio-economics, it does suffer some deficits. In some instances, the regulations are so rigid as to inhibit partnerships with global entities. In other instances, they are so lax as to allow for unethical conduct. This is besides the issue of availability of resources against the backdrop of competing needs. Further, a critical element in the advancement of these and other technologies is the implementation of the concept of public communication of science, so society can fully appreciate the benefits and the dangers, the career opportunities and the logic behind allocation of resources to these endeavours.
Because of the fledgling nature of these technologies and the depth and breadth of their reach, it is to be expected that a book of this nature can only be exploratory. The Mapungubwe Institute (MISTRA) hopes that it will lay the basis for further reflection on these issues.
MISTRA wishes to thank the authors for their expertise and rigour in interrogating these complex issues in a manner that is accessible. The Department of Science and Technology availed resources for this research initiative, and this is profoundly appreciated.
– Joel Netshitenzhe Executive Director
Acknowledgements
T HE M APUNGUBWE I NSTITUTE for Strategic Reflection would like to express its sincere gratitude to the project coordinators, Radhika Perrot and Zamanzima Mazibuko, and to Velaphi Msimang who supervised the project. We also express our thanks to the researchers who contributed to the body of work.
Thank you to the MISTRA staff who contributed to the successful outcome of this project: the project management directorate led by Xolelwa Kashe-Katiya supported by Dzunisani Mathonsi; Wandile Ngcaweni and Temoso Mashile for assisting with assembling the manuscript; Lorraine Pillay for fundraising and financial management activities with support from Magati Nindi-Galenge; Terry Shakinovsky for editing the book, and Barry Gilder for his continuous efforts to ensure that the publication meets the highest standards. Deepest gratitude goes to Joel Netshitenzhe for his thorough reading of the manuscript.
MISTRA extends its appreciation to Jacana Media, which was responsible for the design, layout and production of the book.
MISTRA also expresses its heartfelt thanks to the Department of Science and Technology (DST) without whose generous donation this publication would not have been possible.
MISTRA FUNDERS AND DONORS
Though the following donors and funders have not been directly involved with this research, MISTRA would like to thank them for their support. They include:
• ABSA
• Airports Company of South Africa Limited (ACSA)
• Albertinah Kekana
• Anglo American
• Anglo Coal
• Anglo Gold Ashanti
• Anglo Platinum
• Aspen Pharmacare
• Batho Batho Trust
• Belelani Group
• Brimstone
• Chancellor House
• Discovery
• First Rand Foundation
• Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)
• Goldman Sachs
• Harith General Partners
• Jackie Mphafudi
• Kumba Iron Ore
• Mitochondria
•