The Spread of Nanotechnology in MENA

IBM Research seems to be behind the current movement to develop more nanotechnology centers throughout MENA.

“The first center for nanotechnology in the Arab region, Nanotechnology Centre for Excellence, was established in 2008 in Riyadh [Saudi Arabia]. This centre was a collaboration between King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and IBM Research. In 2009, the first North African nanotechnology centre was set-up in Egypt with support from IBM Research. More recently, in January 2011, Jordanian government and IBM Research signed an agreement to establish the third nanotechnology centre of the region in Jordan. This centre will boost Jordan’s R&D in the field of energy and water, the two essential sectors for the country.”

Implications from IFTF:

These three different countries should in the next few years start producing new technologies and innovations to provide solutions to local, regional, and global problems. Of course nanotechnology has been on the forefront of many new technologies and innovations recently. The way these nanotechnology centers conduct their research may also propel the science of nanotechnology to a whole new level. These centers may be a signal for a global shift in a regional zone of innovation.