Nanotechnology, Global Development: Bridging the Digital Divide

Nanotechnology facilitates the production of advanced materials and systems with distinct properties that contribute significantly to achieving sustainable global development. It has a profound impact on virtually every single nation of the world and thus has emerged universally in both developed and developing nations. But, the extent of access to technical infrastructure, investments, scientific set-ups, and finances varies significantly between these nations, creating a divide, which is a critical issue. Though developing nations lag significantly behind in terms of accessibility and progress to developed nations, there is increasing evidence that emerging nanotechnology research and development (R&D) holds considerable promise for these developing nations. This assists in bridging the digital divide. South Africa is one of the pioneering nations from the global South that has actively embraced nanotechnology intending to enhance global competitiveness and promote sustainable economic growth. This chapter outlines how nanotechnology can considerably address the prevailing challenges faced by developing nations and proclaims how these nations could expand their economy by embracing nanotechnology with innovation and research. Thus, efforts have to be taken to make emerging nanotechnology an integral component of the lives of the people in developing and developed nations, bridging the digital gap, and making an unpolarized world.