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BACKGROUND: This paper examines nanotechnology patents in Mexico to gain some insights into: a) the growth of patents over the last twenty years; b) the distribution of assignee patents between private and public institutions; b) the economic sectors engaged in nanotechnology R&D; and, c) whether R&D is oriented to basic research or more applied science and engineering. METHOD: The present research employs the DG concordance system. This approach establishes a procedure to match patents according to their potential use in economic sectors. The research incorporates a two-stage approach, each involving a different method: capturing basic information from Mexican nanotechnology patents; and, establishing concordance with economic sectors. RESULTS: 217 patents were identified; 153 were analyzed. Private companies and individuals registered 30 %. The largest concentration (41%) is found in the economic sector "Manufacture of Chemicals and Chemical Products". Most patents are located in basic research. There are virtually no patents related to the final place in the value chain (final products) or to nanotechnology instruments. CONCLUSION: The article provides an overview of nanotechnology in Mexico in terms of quantity and institutional allocation of patents; also with the economic sectors with which they are associated, and the relation with the place in a value chain. Patent concentration in public academic institutions suggests a lack of nanotechnology research and development capacity in firms. Most patents are related to electronics, an economic sector with significant development in the country.
RESUMO
Este artículo analiza la discusión sobre los riesgos de las nanopartículas manufacturadas llevada a cabo en las reuniones regionales de América Latina y el Caribe del SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management/Enfoque Estratégico para la Gestión de Productos Químicos a Nivel Internacional). Contextualiza esta discusión con un panorama del desarrollo de las nanotecnologías en la región y de las evidencias científicas disponibles sobre riesgos de las nanotecnologías. Propone un abordaje para identificar a los actores que deben participar en la discusión y gestión del riesgo basado en el ciclo de vida de las nanopartículas. El artículo propone, además, algunas condiciones necesarias para incentivar un desarrollo responsable de las nanotecnologías desde ámbitos como el SAICM, y trae a la discusión los ocho puntos relevados por más de cien organizaciones ambientalistas y de trabajadores acerca de la supervisión de las nanotecnologías y los nanomateriales.
This article addresses the discussion concerning the risks posed by manufactured nanoparticles held during regional meetings in Latin America and the Caribbean by the SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management/Enfoque Estratégico para la Gestión de Productos Químicos a Nivel Internacional). It contextualizes this discussion by overviewing the development of nanotechnology in the region and the scientific evidence available on the risks brought about by nanotechnology. It proposes an approach to identify the players that should be involved in the discussion and in risk management based on the nanoparticles' life cycle. The article also proposes a few of the conditions needed to encourage the responsible development of nanotechnology from sectors such as the SAICM, and brings into the discussion the eight relevant items from over a hundred environmental organizations and workers under the supervision of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials.
