Guillermo Foladori

Nanotechnology's Controversial Role for the South

The possibility that nanotechnology will turn into an instrument to aid development or alleviate poverty has been discussed explicitly in academic circles, at meetings held by international bodies, and in non-governmental organisations since 1997. The different positions on the role that it can play in the process reflect particular interpretations of the relationship between science, technology and society. We divide the arguments expressed in this discussion in two broad groups. One can be identified as the instrumental position, which emphasises the technical capacity of nanotechnologies to solve poverty problems and spur development. The other group of arguments can be identified as the contextual position by emphasising the social context wherein technology is produced, used and adapted. We summarise and analyse the main arguments in the debate on nanotechnologies, development and poverty. We consider the most influent opinions from organisations, institutions and meetings, presenting their main ideas in chronological order. The outline covers the period from 1997 to late 2007, and reviews the documents that most directly address the issue. Afterwards, we highlight and analyse the main issues at stake in this controversy.

Sustentabilidad ambiental y contradicciones sociales

In this article we analyze the definitions and measures of sustainability. We show that while definitions include an inter-generation element and another of intra-generation equity, most of the measures only consider the former. We explain the methodological reasons for that, as well as demonstrating the possibility of including other criteria -such as social productivity and potential surplus- which explain environmental problems derived from social relations.

É correto pensar a sustentabilidade em níval local? Uma análise metodológica de um estudo de caso em uma Área de Proteção Ambiental no litoral sul do Brasil

This article discusses the relationship between ecological and social sustainability. A large field work was done in the Environmentally Protected Area (Area de Protecao Ambiental -APA) of the municipality of Guaraquecaba, on the littoral of the State of Parana, in Brazil, during 1999 to 2001. The research allows us to reach the following conclusions: a) In the interrelation between ecological and social elements, the social aspect determines the ecological aspect. In other words, ecological sustainability is a variable dependent on social sustainability; b) Natural conditions impose relatively important restrictions to economic viability and social sustainability, and; c) Social sustainability cannot be analyzed disregarding the levels of the subsystems contained in the larger system.

In)certezas sobre la crisis ambiental

The majority of articles and books on the environmental question consider the main environmental problems as a fact, without discussing its uncertainties. In this article we consider the two main environmental problems, the climate change and lost of biodiversity. We characterize the problems and show the international discussion on it, as well as the scientific uncertainties.

The Challenge of Infectious Diseases to the Biomedical Paradigm

The resurgence of infectious diseases and the emergence of infectious diseases raise questions on how to cope with the situation. The germ or clinical approach is the hegemonic biomedical paradigm. In this article, the author argues that the spread of infectious diseases has posted a challenge to the biomedical paradigm and shows how lock-in procedures maintain alternative and complementary medicine paradigms in the backyard.

Inventory of nanotechnology companies in Mexico

This study presents an inventory of 139 nanotechnology companies in Mexico, identifying their geographic distribution, economic sector classification, and position in the nanotechnology value chain. We find that the principal economic sector of nanotechnology-engaged firms involves the manufacture of chemical products, which largely serve as means of production (primary or intermediate materials; instruments and equipment) for industrial processes. The methodology used in this analysis could be replicated in other countries without major modifications.

Nanotechnology for social needs: contributions from Latin American research in the areas of health, energy and water

This paper reviews, based on data from scientific publications and research groups, the state of the art of nanotechnology research applied to the areas of medicine, energy and water in Latin America. Such areas have been considered as particularly relevant in order to meet the social needs of the developing countries. It is shown that the countries in the region have incorporated these areas to their nanotechnology agendas and several countries have increasing research capacities. However, such capacities are concentrated in Brazil and Mexico, while the regional cooperation networks are still weak. Although the research topics tend to align with relevant social issues, there are still a number of challenges so as the results of such investigations may be effectively reflected in quality of life improvements; one of them is that many publications and research topics are on basic science, which makes it difficult to evaluate their potential application field.

La solución técnica a los problemas ambientales

Neste ensaio, argumenta-se que a discussao ambiental tem sido reduzida a uma questao tecnica. E que esta dita reducao implica em considerar a tecnologia como neutra e nao em considerar as tendencias derivadas das relacoes sociais. Conclui-se com os limites que as relacoes capitalistas supoem para solucionar os grandes problemas ambientais.

Researching Risks of Nanomaterials in Mexico

AbstractThe aim of this article is to evaluate, using available direct and secondary data, the risks to human health and the environment within nanotechnologies research in Mexico. The argument is advanced in four sections. The first illustrates the implications of the risks posed by nanoparticles and nanomaterials to workers, consumers, and the environment. Next, to provide context, is a review of the state of nanotechnologies development in Mexico. This is followed by an outline of the methodology employed, where two protocols were used: The first entailed the creation of a database containing all articles on nanotechnologies published by Mexican authors over a 12-year period and then searching for key terms associated to the risks of nanomaterials; the second protocol involved a web-based search to identify all researchers working in this area. Finally, the results are presented with the conclusion that the subject of risks is, essentially, absent from nanotechnologies research in Mexico.

Sectorial analysis of nanotechnology companies in Argentina

In this paper, we identify 37 companies that produce nano-enabled products in Argentina. We locate the products of these firms in terms of both their economic sector and position in a value chain. The research was done through a four-step methodology. Firstly, an inventory of firms was created. Secondly, the firms were classified by their economic sector, following the United Nations economic classification. Thirdly, the firms were located within a simple nanotechnology value chain. Finally, the products were classified according to their final destination, being either means of production or final consumer products. The results show that healthcare, cosmetics, and medicine is the most represented sector along the value chain, followed by electronics.