Nanotechnology in Mexico: Global trends and national implications for policy and regulatory issues

Nanotechnology, or the capacity to manipulate matter at the atomic (or nanometric) scale, promises such potential that important challenges and impacts are now foreseen, both positive and negative. Examples include possibilities to contribute to the production of clean energy, to water purification, and to important medical advances; specific IP and legal questions posed by the sector; the possibility of risks to health and the environment; as well as societal and ethical aspects linked both, to scientific-technological pursuits per se and to the associated political-business action. In this context, besides more scientific research regarding nanomaterials' potential risks and nanotechnology implications, a broader regulation based on an open, constructive, and permanent dialogue among the diverse actors seems critical. The following paper assesses this diversity of issues for the case of Mexico. It opens with a panoramic introduction to the topic, followed by a general overview on the advancement of nanosciences and nanotechnology (N&N) worldwide. It then offers an evaluation of the current state of Mexico's N&N capabilities and the challenges ahead; a review of IP issues and its implications for Mexico, and finally a discussion on regulatory aspects related to human health and the environment being addressed by national authorities and specialists.