China’s Emergence as a Global Nanotech Player: Lessons for Countries in Transition

Nanotechnology is developing as a strategic branch of science and engineering in the twenty-first century, a key technology that can fundamentally restructure the technologies currently used in varied industries. Nanotechnology appeals to developing economies as it can provide novel interventions in areas that are of pressing concern such as the environment, water purification, agriculture, energy and so on. Thus, it becomes important to assess the extent to which developing countries are creating capacity in this technology and whether it is providing a ‘window of opportunity’ for them to ‘catch up’ with the developed world. This study highlights the significant achievements by China in capacity creation which is already showing tangible outcomes. Government-affiliated research institutes and universities are playing a leading role in this endeavour and developing novel partnerships particularly with foreign firms. Through the lens of nanotechnology development, the study examines China’s policies, strategies and governance that are helping it to create capacity and make a strong assertion at the global stage in a high-technology area. The study discusses the lessons from China for other emerging economies that are trying to ‘catch up’ using technological intervention.