2009 APS April Meeting

CENM
FIP
Physics in Latin America

Physics in Andean countries: a

perspective from condensed
matter, novel materials, and
nanotechnology
P. Prieto
APS Fellow
Director of the Center of Excellence for Novel Materials – CENM
Universidad del Valle, Cali - Colombia

April Meeting Denver, Colorado May 2 2009

 Nanotechnology and Novel Materials

a nanometer
Explore & exploit unique phenomena
and effects at atomic, molecular, and Gate
supra-molecular dimensions to create 1.2 nm
materials, devices, and systems with SiO2
fundamentally novel properties and
functions. Nanoscale gathers
multidisciplinary approaches: Physics,
Silicon
Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics,
Materials Sciences, and TICs, all of
great benefit to humanity.

Applications are exciting; scientific &

engineering potential is vast.

Nanotechnology represent an open

disposition by policy makers to
exploit its full potential for the
benefit of society. Feynman, 1959 There’s Plenty
K. Eric Drexler Millennium Technology Conference14 June 2004
of Room at the Bottom
Potential and impact of Nanotechnology

Coatings
Pharmaceuticals
Healthcare and Manufacturing
life sciences Medical
instruments
Catalysts
Metal
and materials
Fabrics Lubricants
Composite
Orthopedic Aircraft
materials Automobiles
materials Dental
equipment
Food
Fuel Clothing
Contrast
media cells Household
appliances Lumber
Embedded
Biological displays Sporting
labels Paper
goods
2004
Computers
Hard
> 1% of products in drives Sensors Logic chips
segment incorporate Consumer
Memory chips
emerging electronics 2009
nanotechnology Optical Final goods
Solar
cells
components
Intermediate
Storage
2014 products
> 10% of products in media

segment incorporate >10 years

emerging
nanotechnology Electronics Source: October 2004 Lux Research
and IT Report “Sizing Nanotechnology’s Value Chain”
 Increased Interest in Nanotechnology R&D
Public expenditure in nanotech up by ~40% (nearly 3.5B € in 2003)
Public Expenditure (1M€ = 1M$)

FP6
(EU)

NNI
(USA)

Source: European Commission (2003)

http://www.ricyt.org/interior/difusion/pubs/elc2008/InnovaEN.pdf
INNOVATION: SOMETHING MORE THAN R&D. Latin American evidence from
innovation surveys: building competitive business strategies, Guillermo Anlló
(CEPAL), Diana Suárez (Centro Redes)
 Chile (581 publications)
Colombia (311)
Venezuela (291)
Peru (50)

* Andean Countries
 Latin American participation in
innovation processes

 Mere passive receptors of scientific and

technological transference of knowledge.

Public & private investment do not

support S&T Research, Innovation &
Implementation in Nanotech

Aggressive and long-term public and

private investment is not state policy
 Current status of R&D in Andean nations
GDP: 130 B GDP: 165 B
GERD: 0.2% (260 M) GERD: 0.3%
ME: 4.4 B (500 M)
ME: 2 B
Brazil: GDP – 1T,
GDP: 41 B USA : GDP - 14T
GERD: 1.1% (11 B)
GERD: 0.2% GERD: 2.5% (350 B)
ME: 24 B ME: 644 B
(81M)
ME: 1.1 B
Total LA R&D
GDP: 89 B expenditure is a small
GERD: 0.1% piece of a tiny pie
(90M)
ME: 1.3 B Total LA ME: ~ 40 B
Mega military
GDP: 10 B
GERD:0.2% expenditure without
(18M) a clear enemy
ME: 190 M
GDP: 141 B RED DE INDICADORES DE CIENCA Y
TECNOLOGIA IBEROAMERICANA E
GERD: 0.6% GDP: gross domestic INTERAMERICANA RICYT
http://www.ricyt.org
(850 M) product Adapted from: CIA World Fact Book
GERD: gross expenditure 2009 & IMF, World Economic Outlook
ME: 3.8 B in R&D Database April 2006
ME: military expenditure
 Inverse Relationships
 
GDP Population GERD Researcher Military
spending s expenditure

Developed 61.1% 22.3% USA: 644 B

Countries 84.4% 71.6% EU: 312 B

Developing 38.9% 77.7% Brazil: 24 B

countries 15.6% 28.4%

Andean 0.18% 21% 0.2% 0.9% 16 B

nations

The numbers paint a grim picture. How can

we improve this situation?

Adapted from: Adapted from: CIA World Fact Book & RICyT 2000, http://www.science.oas.org/ri
 GDP & EDUCATION
≥2.5% Japan Sweden South Korea
USA
Finland
2-2.5% Germany France
Denmark Netherlands

1.5-2% Belgium

1-1.5% Italy Canada

UK
Norway
0.8-0.9% Brazil Spain
India Chile

0.5-0.8% Mexico
Colombia Venezuela
Egypt Uruguay Argentina
≤ 0.5% Indonesia
Nigeria
 Can we evolve?

Can we talk about innovation if we

continue doing the same things?
Greater innovation to benefit of society
 Nanotech development in the
region
Nanotechnology activity , measured by scientific
publications, has almost doubled worldwide between
2000 & 2007
In Iberian America, Spain & Brazil pioneered and lead
in scientific production & technological development
in nanotech. The remaining Iberian nations show
markedly lower production for the whole period.
From 2000 to 2007, Iberian America had about 20,000
documents in SCI. While the base total grew by 25%,
during the same period articles on nanotech reached
a 100% increase. This is 3.5% of the total # of Iberian
American publications registered in SCI for the period.

Nanotech activity in Iberian America is growing,

but it is still far behind worldwide figures.
 Nanotech development in the
region
The main Iberian American nations have implemented
active policies, constituting ad-hoc institutions &
instruments to support nanotech, such as: Red
NANOSPAIN, the Brazilian Initiative on Nanotechnology,
and the Argentine Nanotechnology Foundation (FAN)

The Iberian American institution with the highest

participation in SCI is Spain’s Superior Council on
Scientific Research (CSIC). It participates with 11.8% of
the Iberian American production in nanotech, and
reveals a marked increase of over 100% between 2000
& 2007.

Leadership of Brazil and Spain has been a result

of the implementation of state policies and
 Nanotech development in the
region
Given the relatively small scientific community and
scant financial resources in each latin American
countries , only decided regional collaboration can offer
the critical mass needed to render nanotech R&D the
necessary sustainability.

Iberian American collaboration is greatly important

inasmuch as it has increased the scientific production of
smaller nations by participating with more developed
nations.

Close collaboration within and with leading

nations in Nanotech development will bring www.nanotecnologia.com.pe
marked growth in Latin America’s participation.
Carlos Aguirre-Bastos ¨POLITICAS PUBLICAS PARA EL
DESARROLLO DE LA NANOTECNOLOGIA¨
 Nanotech development in the
region
Internationally registered patents in nanotech, through
the OMPI PCT accord, have increased by 183% between
2000 & 2007.

Iberian America’s 560 patents are merely 0.74% of

nanotech patents registered in the PCT data base for
2000-2007; showing rapid growth, from 13 to 133
between 2000 & 2007.

The countries leading in numbers of patents in Iberian

America are those with the higher scientific production.

There is potential and many are interested, but we

need to bridge the gap.
 Nanotechnology in
Andean Countries
Some Andean nations have
implemented state policies
appertaining to nanotechnology In
many cases the intentions are
good, but the results are poor. If
not miserable!!
Nano in Ecuador

In 2005, the National Secretariat of Science and

Technology (SENACYT), through the office of the
Vice President, published the document outlining the
National Policy for Science, Technology, and
Innovation 2005-2010.

Among the objectives of the policy, it seeks to fund

basic sciences and natural sciences, including
nanotechnology.

Results are yet to be noted!!!

www.nanotecnologia.com.pe
Carlos Aguirre-Bastos ¨POLITICAS PUBLICAS
PARA EL DESARROLLO DE LA
Nano in Chile

CONICYT, created in 1967, advises the President on

scientific issues. It grants scholarships for graduate
studies and funds R&D projects. Chile has been a
clear participant and is well aware of the importance
of nanoscience R&D.

The Center for Nanoscience in Valparaiso seeks

to strengthen activities in experimental research in
fields related to the S&T of systems at the nano
scale.

http://www.conicyt.cl/573/propertyvalue-1735.html
http://www.cenava.cl
Nano in Chile

CIMAT: Center for advanced interdisciplinary

research in materials science was created in 1998,
for a 10-year period, through a national effort for
advanced research in priority areas

Bio-related Materials

Mechanics of Complex Materials

Catalytic & Polymeric Materials

http://www.conicyt.cl/573/propertyvalue-1735.html
Nano in Bolivia

Creation of the National System for Scientific

Technological Development, SINDECYT, 1977 Vice
Ministry of Science and Technology

In Bolivia, nano is truly nano!

www.nanotecnologia.com.pe
Carlos Aguirre-Bastos ¨POLITICAS PUBLICAS PARA
EL DESARROLLO DE LA NANOTECNOLOGIA¨
Nano in Perú

The Strategic National Plan for Science, Technology,

and Innovation for Competitivity and Human
Development (PNCTI) 2006-2021, includes the
manipulation and design of nanomaterials as a
thematic hub within the Materials Program
(PROMAT). [Gutarra, 2007].

The Plan expects to increase public and private

investment in nanomaterials.

Peru began with a good plan, on paper. Good plans

need good cash flow and competent human
resources, still lacking! www.nanotecnologia.com.pe
Carlos Aguirre-Bastos ¨POLITICAS PUBLICAS PARA
EL DESARROLLO DE LA NANOTECNOLOGIA¨
Nano in Venezuela

The government launched, in 1995,

the National Plan in Science,
Technology, and Innovation (PNCTI)
for 2005-2030.

Venezuela wants to improve its long-

term participation in ST&I. Studies are
underway. Greater percentage of the
GDP is promised for R&D.

Stay tuned. Aló, presidente!!! www.mct.gob.ve

Nano in Colombia

In 2004, COLCIENCIAS selected 8 strategic areas to

enhance productivity & competitivity in Colombian
economy, one was “Advanced Materials &
Nanotechnology”.

Colombia still needs clear and long-term state

policies to support Nanotech R&D. Some short-term
work has proven successful, as is the case with the
Excellence Center for Novel Materials

www.nanotecnologia.com.pe
Carlos Aguirre-Bastos ¨POLITICAS PUBLICAS PARA
EL DESARROLLO DE LA NANOTECNOLOGIA¨
CENM

Created in 2005, the CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR NOVEL

MATERIALS – www.cenm.org is part of a high-priority
national effort funded primarily by COLCIENCIAS, gathering
19 recognized multidisciplinary research groups from 10
public and private universities. It collaborates with
international entities in materials research.

Research at CENM focuses on 4 Interdisciplinary Research

Themes
 Advanced Coatings
 Composite Materials
 Nanomagnetism
 Solid-State Devices, Sensors, and Mesoscopic Systems
CENM

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR

NOVEL MATERIALS
 19 research groups Researchers: 70
PhDs
 Sponsorship: PhD and Msc. students:
 Publications: 213

 High-tech robust equipment:

PPMS (Physical Property Measurement
System)
AFM Atomic Force microscope
Microraman
Spectrophotometers
SEM Scanning Electron Microscope
 Nano in Colombia

NANOCOLOMBIA was
created as a private institution
to promote business
investments or joint ventures
in nanotechnology.

FUNDACIÓN LATINOAMERICANA PARA EL AVANCE DE LA CIENCIA

Desde 1990 tejiendo Redes Académicas con el Propósito de Construir Nación
http://www.funlaci.org
 Plausible Strategies
 State policies must bridge the academia-industry gap

 Gov’t & Private ST&I investment shows results

 Trilogy endeavor to explore new frontiers. It can and

must be done.

 Knowledge transference through strategic partnerships &

patents, knowledge management, and dissemination
through widespread technological transference initiatives

 Bring ST&I work to the elementary school classroom and

to the general population in simple language
THE TRIPLE HELIX MODEL OF UNIVERSITY-
INDUSTRY- GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Academia

State $$ Industry
 In Brief

In spite of achievements, limitations persist.

Studies have reviewed policy, strategy, &
plans, arriving at conclusions dealing with:

 Limited impact
 Lack of real political will & decision
 Lack of funds
 Lack of culture for research and
innovation
 Only good intentions

Velho, 2004; OEA, 2004; Albornoz, 2002; BID, 2001

 As a summary
Many in the region are still not convinced
that ST&I should be a national priority.

Many others are still not aware of what

nanotechnology means or what applications
it may have.

Some are reticent to accept ST&I as an

instrument of change.

Most are sure that military spending is most

important.
 Food for Thought

 Again, big change does not come about by

doing the same things.

 Until now, we have only had nano policies

with nano investments for nanotech R&D; we
must pave the way for Mega-investments and
long-term commitments by state and private
entities
 References and sources
http://www.ricyt.org/interior/difusion/pubs/elc2008/Nano
Guillermo Anlló and Diana Suárez “ Innovation: something
more than R&D Latin American evidence from innovation
surveys: building competitive business strategies” 2008
Robert Grosse “ R&D by TNCs in Latin America” National
Science Foundation, Info Brief, “Latin America Shows
Rapid Rise in S&E Articles”, August 2004. NSF 04-336.
Danelia Sabillón Rodríguez “Innovation in current and future
scientific cooperation: the south view” Centro de Estudios
y Control de Contaminantes (CESCCO). Tegucigalpa, Honduras
2002
Principaux indicateurs de la science et de la technologie,
Volume 2008/2– ISSN 1011-792X – © OCDE 2008
Carlos Aguirre-Bastos “Políticas publicas para el desarrollo de
la nanotecnología” Academia Nacional de Ciencias de
Bolivia
 Acknowledgements
• Gratitude is owed to the organizers of the 2009 APS April
Meeting FIP Physics in Latin America for hosting this talk and to
all of you for your kind attention.

¡Gracias!

¨Ahí mismo, al otro lado del rio, hay toda clase

de aparatos mágicos, mientras nosotros
seguimos viviendo como burros¨

Cien años de soledad Gabriel García Márquez