Nanotechnology and biotechnology research in South Africa: Technology management lessons from a developing country

Emerging technologies and in particular nanotechnology and biotechnology, promise to create a multitude of new products and processes and to substantially advance productivity and quality of life internationally. South Africa, a scientifically small country, has initiated a number of efforts in these scientific fields (DST 2001 “National Biotechnology Strategy” and DST (2005) “South African Nanotechnology Strategy”) aiming to capitalize on the promises of the emerging areas and to improve the quality of life of all inhabitants.