Technology Studies Faculty of Science University of Malaya VIVA - VOCE DATE/TIME: 26 AUGUST 2015 (WEDNESDAY) @ 2.30P.M VENUE: MEETING ROOM 1, DEAN OFFICE, FACULTY OF SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA TITLE: BARRIERS IN THE TRANSITION FROM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TO COMMERCIALIZATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN MALAYSIA
subject of nanotechnology should be viewed as a critical aspect in the country’s development agenda is due to the factual establishment that developed countries around the world have begun to forefront its research activities actively and rigorously during the past decade. These research activities have simultaneously received critical outbursts by pundits on the possible negative repercussions that may occur from its endeavours. In any emerging technology, outbursts as such is a usual phenomenon since it drives R&D activities through a multi-investigative route of rigorous safety and regulation standards and improvements in order to provide a justifiable and defensible motivation to the research community for its endeavours rather than suffering any future catastrophic losses. Therefore, research in nanotechnology continues in diversified aspects and the attempt to curb the limitations within nanotechnology product development is one of the research tasks. What is being emphasized here is that, negative research debates that follow in parallel with the evolvement of nanotechnology can only be controlled and curtailed when continuous research is performed on the subject. Hence, developing countries such as Malaysia should actively pursue nanotechnology development rigorously to innovate new ways how this technology can serve the nation’s economic growth, in terms of its importance in each sector of its economy. Significance of Study
far lacking in the developmental concentration in the field of nanotechnology since the embryonic formation of the NNI in 2006 There have been barriers, which disconnect the Research and Development (R&D) and commercialization of this technology from spanning through a progressing and transcending flow of innovative efficiency This thesis aims to: I. To identify the critical barriers that constrain the R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology in Malaysia II. To provide recommendations for policy actions and future studies A B C D Time series - citation analyses of core referred journals from 1989 – 2014 (26 year period) were conducted manually Graphical mappings were designed to prove the existence of missing gaps in literature and how it was relevant to the construction of a conceptual framework and its associated building blocks Missing gaps were identified in the area of: I: The hybrid of comprehensive vs non-comprehensive education of nanotechnology II: The distinct priorities of academia and industry and how it affects the R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology III: The formation of R&D policy for nanotechnology E F This thesis proves that there is an absolute need for a skilled and educated workforce trained within an array of levels bifurcating from nanotechnology to congregate the projected demand in the future Apart from human capital and technological capability, aspects such as infrastructure and capital investment also come into play in the pursuit towards realising a solid bridge between R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology G H Main implication of this study: It unveils the key anomalies existing within the nanotechnology environment to give the government and policy makers reason to invest in developing solutions to prevent the occurrence of bottlenecks I J The main findings and recommendations indicate the urgency to prepare human capital in nanotechnology through education and training for the fulfilment of nanotechnology relevant research activities in the next ten years ✓ Make known the total cost of key infrastructure required to undertake a nanotechnology research activity ✓ the parallel importance of patents and publications in universities, ✓ its role in sustaining nanotechnology research ✓ the needs in adopting a multidisciplinary approach in nanotechnology educational programme ✓ the potential roles that can be played by the Malaysian government to assist universities in creating research opportunities in nanotechnology through University-Industry partnerships K
to Nanometer (nm) Source: Kumar (2008) Journal of Geoethical Nanotechnology Approximately 80,000 nm One billionth of a meter Scientific activity that takes place between 1nm – 100nm ‘Nano science’ is concerned with understanding some phenomena (such as surface tension/properties, quantum effects and molecular assembly) and their influence on the properties of material ‘Nanotechnology’ aim to exploit these effects to create structures, devices and systems with novel and significantly improved properties and functions due to their size. Royal Society and The Royal Academy of Engineering Report (2004)
nanotechnology (includes LE, startups, Small) • Estimate based on earlier Technology Transfer Center (TTC) Reports and did not account for the number of companies in the USA Technology Transfer Center (TTC, 2007): • Over 300 nanotechnology companies in Europe alone • Measure accounted for nano product manufacturers, nano distributors, nano R&D laboratory based companies and mere subsidiaries of large manufacturing nano groups and non-nano manufacturers • These figures cannot serve as a viable measurement of what the actual number of companies involved directly in the area of nanotechnology really is due to the absence of a clear definition of what signifies a nanotechnology firm • Problem: None of these sources recorded their definitions of what is nanotechnology firm in their reports CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION • Background: Global Trends 4934 2144 1946 770 726 4325 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 United States Germany Japan United Kingdom France Other Countries Total Number of Nanotechnology Companies Worldwide in Year 2010 Source: United Kingdom’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), 2010
that have strengthened their R&D spending in nanotechnology research since 1997 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION • Background: Global Trends 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 USD $ Million Western Europe USA Japan Estimated Government Sponsored Nanotechnology R&D (1999 – 2005) (in USD Million) Source: Roco , M.C. (2005) Analysis Hullman, 2006: The purpose of the money is to fund research and networking activities at universities, research centers and industrial research labs and related activities such as infrastructure, mobility and education of scientists, standardization and communication However, there is no data or evidence to prove how the total spending has been distributed (Note: This is the most recent data available comparing Western Europe, USA and Japan together in terms of government sponsored nanotechnology R&D in the period of 7 years from the same author. Other sources was not used to extend the time series because measurement parameters and source data were from different statistical agencies)
5.0 20.0 208.0 4.0 11.0 9.0 91.1 5.0 1.0 940.0 0.0 100.0 200.0 300.0 400.0 500.0 600.0 700.0 800.0 900.0 1000.0 Nanotechnology Funding in ANF Countries in Year 2004 (US$M) Source: Asia Nano Forum (2004) Highest 2nd Highest Analysis Malaysia is still lagging behind in R&D infrastructure and human resource development compared to other members of ANF As Malaysia’s counterpart from the South, Singapore has surpassed Malaysia with a total of US$9 million investment in nanotechnology R&D (Note: This is the most recent available data comparing 13 countries including Malaysia in terms of nanotechnology funding since the Asian Nano Forum Summit, which was held in the year 2005. Data available from 2005 – 2010 by ANF Summit in 2009 are funds injected by the Government for Nanotechnology Development Based on Respective Planning Periods in Various Economies (2005 - 2010))
0.005 0.091 4.168 0.151 2.75 2.535 3.996 0.076 0.012 7.338 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Nanotechnology Funding per Capita in ANF Countries in Year 2004 Source: Asia Nano Forum (2004) Note: Funding per capita is an important piece of information to find out which country and amount of grant dollars (funding) received per person from foundations (Note: This is the most recent available data comparing 13 countries including Malaysia in terms of nanotechnology funding since the Asian Nano Forum Summit which was held in the year 2005. Data available from 2005 – 2010 by ANF Summit in 2009 are funds Injected by the Government for Nanotechnology Development Based on Respective Planning Periods in Various Economies (2005 - 2010))
Amount USA via NNI 3.7 billion Japan US $2.8 billion (2006 – 2010) European Union 1.2 billion Taiwan US $689 million (2009 – 2014) Source: MIGHT Report (Sept 2006) Korea US $259 million (2009) China US $62.5 million (2009) Singapore US $80 million (2009) India US $200 million (2009 – 2014) Russia US $5 billion (2008 – 2011) Thailand US $ 60 million (5 year plan) Australia US $ 100 million (5 year plan) Iran US $ 60 million (2008) Vietnam US $ 100 million (5 year plan) New Zealand US $ 13.8 million (2009) Malaysia US $35.26 million (2006 – 2010) 5 year plan Source: ANF Summit Report (2009) Funds Injected by the Government for Nanotechnology Development Based on Respective Planning Periods (2005 - 2010) Just for (1 yr) Lowest funding in terms of 5 year planning periods Radical increase in funding after year 2004
from silica in rice husks, which produces high premium quality insulation material that can be applied to medicine and construction It has significantly resulted in 50 – 75 percent cost reduction and resembles that of frozen smoke. Traditional aerogel costs about RM15, 000 per kilogram (has existed approximately since 1931); whereas Malaysia can produce it for only RM5, 000 per kilo Maerogel has been patented in Malaysia and 22 other countries worldwide and is currently being commercialized through UTM’s spinoff company known as Gelanggang Kencana Sdn. Bhd. This product was also chosen as the product of the year 2008 by the International Clean Energy Circle, United Kingdom. Maerogel (UTM) CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION • Background: Current Outputs
Plan, IRPA, IGS, MGS and DAGS were discontinued These grants were replaced with the Science Fund, Techno Fund, Inno Fund and Nano Fund, which exist today The per year allocation of these grants have not yet been disclosed to the public because the allocation disbursed was in sum totality and not specifically to a single grant The allocation amount is subject to a quarterly or annual review of these grants CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION • Background MP IRPA IGS MGS DAGS 5th Malaysia Plan RM400 Million - - - 6th Malaysia Plan RM600 Million - - - 7th Malaysia Plan RM708 Million RM100 Million RM65 Million RM30 Million 8th Malaysia Plan RM833 Million RM230 Million RM100 Million RM90 Million 9th Malaysia Plan IRPA, IGS, MGS and DAGS have been discontinued 10th Malaysia Plan 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 IRPA IGS MGS DAGS 5th Malaysia Plan 6th Malaysia Plan 7th Malaysia Plan 8th Malaysia Plan Allocation of R&D grants (RM Million) Source: 5th MP, 6th MP, 7th MP, 8th MP, 9th MP, 10th MP Source: 5th MP, 6th MP, 7th MP, 8th MP, 9th MP, 10th MP Considered as a stimulus IRPA: Intensification Research of Priority Areas IGS: Industry Research and Development Grant Scheme MGS: MSC Research and development Grant Scheme DAGS: Demonstrator Application Grant Scheme
oriented projects far exceeds the amount approved and dispersed for nano material and nano application oriented projects A total amount of nano fund approximating to RM7 million was given to a total of 20 nanotechnology projects in the year 2011 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION • Background Quantum (Total Amount Approved) Science Fund Techno Fund Inno Fund Nano Fund Up to RM 1. 5 million Between RM 1.5 million and RM 3 million RM 50, 000 for individual/sole proprieter & RM 500, 000 for micro and small companies So far, an average of RM200, 000 to RM500, 000 each were dispersed in 2011 2,754,200.00 1,954,945.00 2,284,300.00 0.00 500,000.00 1,000,000.00 1,500,000.00 2,000,000.00 2,500,000.00 3,000,000.00 Nano Device Nano Material Nano Application Total Nano Fund Approved (RM) and Dispersed in 2011 by Project Type Source: National Nanotechnology Directorate, MOSTI (2013) Quantum (Maximum Amount Approved) for Each Grant (After 8th MP) Source: MOSTI (2011) Considered as a stimulus
10 institutes and Center of Excellences (CoEs) in Malaysia The maximum number of projects approved (which were 3 nano projects) went to UPM, UKM and UTM; whereas a total of 1 – 2 nano projects approved went to UniMAP, MIMOS, UiTM, UTP, IMU, MARDI and UM Most of these projects began in 2011 and 2012 and is expected to complete at the end of 2013 and 2014 The trivial number of nano oriented lab projects that are being funded and conducted indicate that the current state of nanotechnology activity is in an inactive state CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION • Background 0 1 2 3 4 UPM UniMAP UKM MIMOS UiTM UTP UTM IMU MARDI UM 3 1 3 1 2 2 3 1 2 2 Numbers of Nano Fund Projects Approved for Institutes / CoEs in Year 2011 Source: National Nanotechnology Directorate, MOSTI (2013) Considered as part of a stimulus
15 20 25 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Record Count of Published Items Record Count of Published Items in Web of Science on "Nanotechnology Commercialization" (2003 - 2012) Source: Author’s Illustration based on data derived from Web of Science (2012) compiled by Thomson Reuters Analysis A total of 140 results showed up in the form of articles (81), proceedings papers (43), review (14), editorial material (7) and meetings abstract (2) Even though the search was from 1980 until 2012, findings revealed that all 140 published items on the topic of “Nanotechnology Commercialization” were only published from year 2003 to 2012 (during the last 10 years and nothing before)
6 8 10 12 Number of Published Items by Authors in Web of Science on "Nanotechnology Commercialization" (2003 - 2012) (with Minimum Record Count (Threshold) of 2) Source: Author’s Illustration based on data derived from Web of Science (2012) compiled by Thomson Reuters Analysis In terms of all 140 papers published in Web of Science (WoS) in this topic, findings revealed that Philip Shapira published the maximum number of papers with a total of 10 papers followed by Youtie, Bawar and Porter The rest of the authors had a minimum published record threshold count of between 1 to 2 that ultimately when added up sums up to a total of 140 published items
6 8 10 12 Number of Published Items by Institutions in Web of Science on "Nanotechnology Commercialization" (2003 - 2012) (with Minimum Record Count (Threshold) of 2) Source: Author’s Illustration based on data derived from Web of Science (2012) compiled by Thomson Reuters Analysis Maximum number of published papers came from Georgia Institute of Technology and followed by University of Manchester and University of New Mexico The rest of the institutions had a minimum published record threshold count of between 1 to 2 that ultimately when added up sums up to a total of 140 published items Except for few lines mentioned by Jarunee Wonglimpiyarat’s (2004) and (2005) of a not so detailed review of nanotechnology initiatives in Malaysia, none of the 140 global papers discussed the status of nanotechnology commercialization in Malaysia
of commercial impact of outputs to date Low number of registered nanotechnology companies in Malaysia (0-2) Low number of publications Nanotechnology is mostly developed in R&D laboratories in universities and research institutes There have not been any significant outputs to reckon with till to date especially since the formation of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Missing Gaps identified from Critical Analysis of Literature Triggered the formation of conceptual building blocks, ROs and RQs for this study CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION • Problem Statement/Key Stimulus Author’s ideas (thesis researcher)
barriers that constrain the R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology in Malaysia To provide recommendations for policy actions and future studies R O R Q Problem statement examination and critical analysis of literature leads to 16 conceptual building blocks; leading to 14 research questions, which is then translated into 14 research themes. Data collection to explain the 16 building blocks reached a saturation point and has been analyzed. [A] [B] Selected RQs (from 14) RQ 1 Can time factor between research and commercialization of nanotechnology serve as an impediment towards the development of nanotechnology products and innovations? RQ 2 Can government initiatives and incentives resolve the impediments faced, accelerate the research and commercialization of nanotechnology; and help spur firms to pursue nanotechnology as a commercial prospect? RQ 3 To what extent have strategic partnerships ensured the long-term sustainability in the field of nanotechnology? Does the phenomenon whereby publishing and patenting move away in two (2) separate directions in the form of two (2) separate activities hinder the R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology? RQ 4 What is the cost of setting up a sophisticated R&D lab for nanotechnology? 1 2
Theory Contribution to Industry Contribution to Policymakers Provides grounds to accentuate the reasons for barriers between R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology Especially in the absence of such critical studies towards this field in Malaysia, this thesis aims to provide sufficient data and analysis Provide recommendations and future policy directions to augment the development and advancement of nanotechnology sustainability in the country Aims to create and build linkages between academia and industry
TERM: Nanotechnology R&D • The process of performing experimentation and problem solving methodologies right up to creating newly designed applications for the purpose of synergizing functional nano prototypes prior manufacturing and production. TERM: Commercialization • The process of marketing, distribution and sales (after manufacturing and production) of fully fledged products for successful exploitation and profit-making benefit by companies and consumption by individual consumers TERM: Nanotechnology Firm • A firm that has invested in a nanotechnology R&D lab and is actively manufacturing nanotechnology products for the purpose of marketing, distribution and sales Definitions of these terms are according to the prescribed usage of the researcher (author) within the thesis text
to the Branches of Innovations (Author’s Design) • Emerging Technologies Conversion process from the application of an emerging technology into the development of a prototype and later designed and manufactured into a product; and finally bringing out an innovation Innovations are only scientific research based innovations that were the result of emerging technologies. The technology is the original source of these innovations Technology is a replicable artifact with practical applications and the knowledge that enables it to be developed and used. Technology is manifested in new product, processes, systems , including the knowledge and capabilities needed to deliver functionality that is reproducible Dodgson, David and Salter (2008)
Series Review of Core Referred Journal Articles in the Area of Nanotechnology Education (2001 - 2013) (Author’s Design) Papers from 2001 – 2013 (from the earliest to the most recent) were critically reviewed Each paper was identified in terms of core subject themes in the area of nanotechnology education These core subject themes were used as identification elements to represent and denote each paper by author – title – year publication as the main emphasis of each paper’s subject content were not explicitly detected through title headings Citation analysis (without the use of software) was conducted to demonstrate how each paper is significantly associated to other scholar’s works and has been depicted here through a graphical time series representation Through this graphical representation, both citation connectivity and main elements of each paper’s subject content can be visibly seen This was conducted chiefly to ensure main themes were highlighted in the review of literature and to prove the existence of missing gaps in the area of nanotechnology education and in the development of conceptual framework and its building blocks METHODOLOGY
of Nanotechnology Education that Impact (contribute to the success of) the Technology Commercialization Process (Author’s Design) Note: 1 - 6 are key drivers towards the production of knowledgeable human capital required for the commercialization of nanotechnology. These six (6) major aspects were identified through a series of literature review on a time series basis of core referred journal articles in the area of nanotechnology education (2001 - 2013) and in the area of technology commercialization (1986 – 2013). METHODOLOGY Through the connective flows established within the review of literature, key drivers were distinctively distinguished to reveal the evolvement of research subject streams and how these key factors are related to one other and how they have been developed to show meaning towards the emergence of nanotechnology R&D and commercialization in terms of nanotechnology education Summary Thse are imperative key drivers towards the production of knowledgeable human capital necessary for the commercialization of nanotechnology. University researchers and students are the knowledge bearing assets required during the invention/discovery stage and prototyping/testing stage within the R&D process. As researchers understand it, there is an absolute need for a skilled and educated workforce, trained at diversified levels, associated to this field, in order to meet the projected demand in the future.
Series Review of Core Referred Journals Articles in the Area of Nanotechnology Patent and Publications (1997 - 2014) (Author’s Design) Papers from 1997 – 2014 (from the earliest to the most recent) were critically reviewed Each paper was identified in terms of core subject themes in the area of nanotechnology patents and publication These core subject themes were used as identification elements to represent and denote each paper by author – title – year publication as the main emphasis of each paper’s subject content were not explicitly detected through title headings Citation analysis (without the use of software) was conducted to demonstrate how each paper is significantly associated to other scholar’s works and has been depicted here through a graphical time series representation Through this graphical representation, both citation connectivity and main elements of each paper’s subject content can be visibly seen This was conducted chiefly to ensure main themes were highlighted in the review of literature and to prove the existence of missing gaps in the area of nanotechnology patents and publications and in the development of conceptual framework and its building blocks METHODOLOGY
Influencing the Emergence of Nanotechnology, R&D and Commercialization in Terms of Patents and Publications (Author’s Design) METHODOLOGY Through the connective flows established within the review of literature, key factors were distinctively distinguished to reveal the evolvement of research subject streams and how these key factors are related to one other and how they have been developed to show meaning towards the emergence of nanotechnology R&D and commercialization in terms of patents and publications The key factors have been connectively represented and graphically illustrated through the use of single and double arrow line connectors to indicate one way (independent) or two way (interdependent) relationships Summary These factors are contributing factors towards the emergence of nanotechnology, R&D and commercialization. However, it does not explicitly state that increased quantity of patents and publications equals to increased production of scientific outputs.
Process Time Series Review of Core Referred Journals Articles in the Area of Nanotechnology Product and Process Innovations (1934 - 2014) (Author’s Design) Papers from 1934-2014 (from the earliest to the most recent) were critically reviewed Each paper was identified in terms of core subject themes in the area of nanotechnology product and process innovation These core subject themes were used as identification elements to represent and denote each paper by author – title – year publication as the main emphasis of each paper’s subject content were not explicitly detected through title headings Citation analysis (without the use of software) was conducted to demonstrate how each paper is significantly associated to other scholar’s works and has been depicted here through a graphical time series representation Through this graphical representation, both citation connectivity and main elements of each paper’s subject content can be visibly seen This was conducted chiefly to ensure main themes were highlighted in the review of literature and to prove the existence of missing gaps in the area of nanotechnology product and process innovation and in the development of conceptual framework and its building blocks METHODOLOGY
Process Elements of Nanotechnology Product and Process Innovations (Author’s Design) METHODOLOGY Through the connective flows established within the review of literature, key factors were distinctively distinguished to reveal the evolvement of research subject streams and how these key factors are related to one other and how they have been developed to show meaning towards the emergence of nanotechnology R&D and commercialization in terms of product and process innovations The key factors have been connectively represented and graphically illustrated through the use of single and double arrow line connectors to indicate one way (independent) or two way (interdependent) relationships Summary Product innovation and process innovation are tightly coupled and require diversifies management strategies
and Kozhikode (2009) Nobelius (2004) Prajogo and Sohal (2006) Jayawarna and Holt (2009) Miller (1995) Francis (1992) Did not indicate or mention the term R&D management in the entire text of the paper, even though it has been made absolutely palpable in the main title of the paper Discussed global R&D management, without enunciating the term R&D management in their entire text Identified five (5) earlier R&D management generations ranging from 1950s to the 1990s and has exemplified the Bluetooth case study as moving towards the sixth generation of R&D management Have placed technology management and R&D management as one and have compared them to total quality management Have compared both studies by Miller (1995) and Francis (1992) to predominantly arrive at a juncture to state that the distance between quality management and R&D management is narrowing as a result of overlapping and intersecting interests Unveils the possibility for this mutual intersection to shape and fortify a newer and more substantial definition for the term R&D management May not have prescribed an explicit definition for R&D management but have somewhat indirectly contributed towards the regurgitation of promising prospects towards the shrinking gap between quality management and R&D management What is the commonality between these authors and their papers? Have not defined what is R&D management
interpretations associated to the term R&D management are found to be distinctively unique from one another • disallowing common or mutual grounds to be established among them • there has not been a universally accepted definition until today The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) • has only defined the term R&D and not the term R&D management
nanotechnology Whether or not this time factor acts as an obstruction towards research and commercialization of nanotechnology - is a subject that has been relegated from research debate. The absence of further contemplation to look into whether government initiatives can work out and solve the inadequacies in nanotechnology research and commercialization Intrusive vs non- intrusive nature of nanotechnology Awareness and interactivity The distinct priorities of academia and industry and how it affects the R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology Nanotechnology opportunities within the non- sciences The right thermometer of standing in Industry and University (I-U) partnerships for nanotechnology Infrastructural cost for setting up a state of the art R&D laboratory for nanotechnology Comprehensive vs non comprehensive nanotechnology education: The hybrid The technical worker vs the knowledge worker for nanotechnology workforce Single area focus vs multiple areas of focus in nanotechnology education Nanotechnology opportunities within the non-sciences The requirement and amalgamation of multiple skills and its transferability into the field of nanotechnology R&D and commercialization
Factor AC Adaptability/Compatibility INTV Initiatives INC Incentives PA Patents INFR Infrastructure MUL Multidisciplinary PUB Publication KA Knowledge Absorption ST Skills Transferability SUS Sustainability PRTS Partnerships RSH Research Opportunities RP R&D policy EDU Education HC/WRK Human Capital/ Workforce G Government IHL Institution of Higher Learning RO Research Organizations F Firms CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Conceptual Research Framework (Author’s Design) Problem statement, missing gaps identified from critical analysis of literature and that of the author’s ideas (thesis researcher) triggered the formation of conceptual building blocks, ROs and RQs Units of construction assembled within a conceptual framework composed to formulate a larger subject entity that may interoperate with other interdependent units of construction
Literature Analysis Identificatio n of Missing Gaps and RQs Creation of a Air Inflator Pump Reciprocatio n Model Identificatio n of Sample of Interviewees Snowballing Techniques was not used Qualitative Data Gathering Triangulation Method How? • Comprehensive study of problem statement and literature • Missing gaps identified • Building blocks and RQs formulated • Findings of study explained based on building blocks of conceptual framework Research Based Theoretical Framework • Sample size was not fixed prior to data collection and strongly depended on the time and resources available • Determined on the basis of theoretical saturation (the point in data collection when new and additional data no longer delivered or contributed any additional insights to the research questions)
depth interviews were conducted with 11 participants; meaning one interview was conducted with each participant. These 11 participants consisted of professors, researchers and also directors/heads from universities, research institutes and also ministries within Malaysia. 4 out of 11 participants were chosen for their fine blend of both industry and academia put together; whereas 7 out of 11 participants were purely from academia. 10 Middle – Level/High Level Personnel from organizations were communicated multiple times with regarding statistical information pertaining their organizations and latest developments in terms of grants and funding for nanotechnology in Malaysia. One to one interviews which proved to be the best option were carried out . “Open ended” approach whereby the questions were not worded in exactly the same way with each participant. Each participant was asked an average of between 20 and 25 interview questions (to justify the 14 research questions) depending on the length of their responses and time available. Author’s Research Design (Air Inflator Pump - Reciprocation Model)
and Triangulation (Author’s Design) Vogt, 2012: The concept of “saturation” is crucial in all considerations of sampling Guest, Bunce & Johnson (2006): Although they are no clear guidelines, the researcher stops interviewing when no themes emerge from the data. This frequently occurs with between six and twelve interviews In economics: “Saturation” is the point of diminishing returns, the point at which the yield in useful data does not justify the effort necessary to collect more of it For this study, individual judgement and systematic reasoning was required to justifiably determine the point when it was no longer necessary to collect additional data
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) • MOSTI only recently set up its Directorate for Nanotechnology in 2011. Other countries like US, United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea • In the absence of these pertinent quantitative statistical data Limitations Have not yet measured nanotechnology sectorally, regionally and nationally Also have not provided a sectoral measure of nanotechnology. A qualitative methodology proved to be the best approach towards gaining a thorough understanding and visualization of the subject matter under investigation.
of time required to complete the transition process and does not constitute to a standard timeframe. The addition time taken medical, biological, or pharmaceutical does not equate similarly to the time taken in other areas of the economy. The absorption of an exacting time concentration is not balanced between R&D. There are cases where research takes longer than development itself or vice versa. There are times where the meticulous design of a certain product, which can exert a pull on the consumer market, can take longer than the time taken for proof of concept (POC). Indicate that: what use will all the efforts (in terms of time) devoted to the R&D development and commercialization activities of the product, if the product ends up a failure in the market (sits in the shelf) all because of the public’s pessimistic perception of nano. Policy should put in place the necessity to adhere towards a certain time limit to produce a product from the time of its basic research until applied research in order to prevent resources provided by the government from becoming unworthy of its cause Impact on the positive utilization of government resources FINDINGS THEME 1: Time factor between research and commercialization of nanotechnology Time inferences made by experts remain to be inconsistent and alarmingly irresolute but neither one has combated the possibility of attaining reasonable time dynamics of translating a nanotechnology prototype into a product within a stipulated period CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATION
the form of scientists and technopreneurs specializing in nanotechnology is more important Outflow of funding is obvious but successful nano innovations are not yet vastly imminent because many countries’ nano research keeps returning back to solving problems underpinning basic research after a continuous application and commercial downfall. THEME 2: The degree of impact of initiatives towards research and commercialization for nanotechnology Finding does not suggest that additional ‘lubricants’ is necessitated due to the nature of its complexity. This finding indirectly proposes a conventional waiting method whereby we invest and wait for the fruits of our labor (which may take 10 – 15 years) or we can augment the number of hours and number of specific expertise (add the level of stress) in order to accelerate the transformation process. As a result, the process becomes more intensified. This finding on the other hand suggests that nanotechnology will require additional ‘lubricants’ in terms of expertise and know – how as opposed to biotechnology. Whether or not these initiatives can serve as a catalyst is somewhat to be monitored closely. A large number (number not specified) who received the Techno Fund grant have with them a prototype that has the potential to be patented and pushed for commercial market. This finding nevertheless does demonstrate that there is a relationship between initiatives induced and period taken for the transformation process if ever done successfully but there are no statistics to verify how successful these initiatives have been in the last 4 years since its establishment. However, few experts believe that in contrary to the existence of initiatives set up to catalyze nanotechnology, the question of whether or not our country is ready to cross the threshold of nanotechnology commercialization is highly debatable. While no entity is contradicting the verity that the funding and support from high impact research do exist, it remains a query as to why not many transformations from prototype to product have not yet taken effect in our country. This finding signifies that the unavailability of the equipment for nanotechnology has nothing to do with the matter of funding. The funding already exists. FINDINGS CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATION These incentives and assistances should come in the form of assigning product engineers and design specialist to work closer with scientists in the labs in the course of their research and development. Product engineers or design specialist can be the direct product of a university podium itself or the product of years of firm experience. However, the selection of these personnel should be based on their sharp expertise on nanotechnology. Scientists can request them for their projects with the condition that these research projects will be completed within a stipulated period.
way for all parties to benefit From what is observed, before high impact research, there was likelihood to obtain high amounts of funding (not specified). That is no more to be seen now. Currently the endowments are shrinking from phase to phase. It’s difficult to get even 2 million in funding now for projects as complexed as nanotechnology There is an existing void. This could be seen as a sign of policy change in universities Funding has never been periodically monitored. However, there have been attempts to put up a process to make sure we really monitor according to work plan, the deliverables; not only how we spend the money but the outputs will also be monitored Funding will be disbursed according to periodical research outputs; no output equals to no funding. This could possibly explain the shrinking effect; an attempt that could stimulate the rise of quality expertise and fuel world class research in nanotechnology THEME 2: The degree of impact of initiatives towards research and commercialization for nanotechnology
benchmark used in university rankings and there are very few scholars cum patentees in our country; over the years, academia has also recognized the importance of patenting. Nevertheless, it is the industry that is not willing to have a positive outlook towards the importance of academic publications. Industries in Malaysia should be made aware that many inventions or successful innovations have been the result of conversions from paper to prototype. Industries pride themselves with their own ‘publications’ but it is the university academic research publications that are certified as qualified. THEME 3: Strategic partnerships and long term sustainability of nanotechnology with a special focus on patents and publications The universities need to give prominence to patenting. When an academician patents an innovation, that itself should “short-circuit” 5 or 10 publications. If they don’t have a patent, then they need to come out with 5 or 10 publications. But if the universities don’t provide the same rating; then there is no incentive. It should be one patent is equivalent to 5 or 10 publications. The workers need to pursue a modular concept; whereby they are trained in a diversified area of nanotechnology. From the machine operator to the packaging expert or the marketer, they have different types of knowledge and know-how’s The university should be able to put together a training module to suit these needs. However, not 100% need to come from university. When you develop a module of a product, it will describe the ingredients, packaging, manufacturing or costing. That way, both sides don’t compromise their integrity and P&C. Meaning both academia and industry will need to educate their workers FINDINGS CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATION Repercussions from the under settling intentions between university /academia can cement the possibility of any successful nano prototypes from envisioning. The expected yield is to be the product of continuous re- engineering iteratively rather than “fast track” results achieved within a contracted period, which do not ensure innovation quality, resulting in planning of unrealistic and representative time factor between research and commercialization by university and academia.
the art R&D laboratory for nanotechnology It is hard to generalize on the cost. Because it depends on what type of area focus. In the case of nanoelectronics, the cost can be very high compared to pharmaceuticals which can be much lesser When anyone mentions nano, the basic equipment that comes to mind is the microscope. However, when it comes to the use of microscopes, the same is being used in all types of industries. For instance, the microscope commonly utilized by all areas is the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) A good field ignition scanning electron microscope can cost from RM3 – RM5 million for every SEM grouping This is more expensive than a High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTM) The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) may cost depending on which brand name between RM 6 to RM 10 million whereas a HRTM can cost to about RM 8 million or more The SEM is a definite. A clean room is also a definite Total spending: To give a total ball park figure, it would need RM30 million at least” to set up a nanotechnology R&D laboratory In terms of the factors that contribute to the high cost of these microscopes Because the machine is extremely complex and only a few people (companies) manufacture these complex machines; and on top of that, the expenses are high. It’s a high end product. The capability is large and you will have to pay the price for that Findings
of the art R&D laboratory for nanotechnology The use of nanotechnology infrastructure can be described It’s a mix and match kind of environment The cost of setting a sophisticated R&D lab in nanotechnology depends on how often the industry or the university will use that particular equipment. If it is not often, then it is much more viable to send your samples to the collaborator. Equipment is expensive and requires skillful people. Unfortunately when you want to see things at the very small, it’s not cheap Biotechnology requires less infra or capital investment as opposed to nano. Nano suffers from two (2): One it requires more expensive capital investment; the other factor is also the skill or the knowledge of the people. These two factors should be in exodus When it comes to maintaining microscopes, the cost is not high The one which absorbs the most money for example is the process equipment such as the chemical wafer deposition systems. Furthermore, there is a definite need of skillful people to use and maintain microscopes. However, as microscopy skill for data interpretation is very important, one doesn’t really require a specific knowledge in nanotechnology A degree in engineering will do. It has to be a PhD holder, a scientist who is an expert in microscopes. Ideally they should come from the Physics background The good thing about physicist is that they understand the knickknacks of the principles of microscopes. It would even be better if one has a PhD in the field of microscopy
of the art R&D laboratory for nanotechnology Some process equipment can cost up to a few million in total spending The processing material is of a wider range. For nanotechnology, it could be cheap but also it can be expensive. You could start from nothing. With a few hundreds or thousands, a researcher can do some form of processing. But if you were to do high end processing such as molecular beam epitaxy (method for depositing single crystals) it could be very expensive The good thing about nanotechnology is that you can do both low cost/low end processing as well as high cost processing but for characterization, there is no compromise. You have to pay the high cost Not every nano industry requires the use of a High Resolution Transmission Microscope (HRTM) because when it comes to a HRTM It depends on the application again If we are strong in nanomaterial synthesis, you must make sure that all facilities to make nanomaterial synthesis, you have it This has to be done in your own kitchen But characterization, if you don’t have it, you outsource, and what you have to cook, you do it in your own kitchen This is knowledge propriety Some nano related companies rely on this infrastructure from academia That means the industry will go to the universities that have these equipment and they will send the samples It’s better that way because in terms of the HRTM for example: Let’s say if you have this in the industry, they won’t use it fully 24/7 whereas the universities will use it more Therefore it’s not worthwhile to have certain equipment parked in the industry
of the art R&D laboratory for nanotechnology In terms of the equipment required to suit the needs of various disciplines within the realm of science There are two groups. They use the same microscopes but the preparation techniques are different. For materials, they will require an electron microscope that is of high specification. On the other hand, for biologists, they will not need a high specification microscope. They will need a lower end microscope The sample preparation is very different compared to the materials scientists, physicists or engineers. For samples that are inorganic, which are utilized mainly in physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering – these areas of sciences will carry out different techniques. As opposed to their biology counterparts who experiment with cells and live materials – their techniques are also very different In certain good laboratories, they have in place microscopes that cater for both groups of people: One is the engineering, chemistry, physics. And the other one is biology. Those who are prepared to make a higher investment; they will provide separate microscopes for separate fields of expertise It is perceptible that the cost of setting up a state of the art laboratory for nanotechnology is dependent on multiple factors such as type of field, type of microscopes required, the specification and functionality of each microscope necessary, processing material, processing technique, the amount of utilization and level of skill required to use the high end/low end microscopes. In the attempt towards identifying these factors Demonstrates signs of the magnitude importance of university researchers and students in becoming the knowledge bearing assets required during the invention/discovery stage and prototyping/testing stage from R&D to commercialization of nanotechnology
of the art R&D laboratory for nanotechnology MICROSCOPES COST (RM) FIELD EMISSION SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE 2,995,000 SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE (SEM) 1,465,450 TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE (TEM) 950,000 ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE (AFM) 327,300 Source: High Impact Research (HIR) University of Malaya (UM), 2011 Average Costs of Microscopes used in the field of Nanotechnology
as the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and technicians only perform low- level maintenances and will not be able to perform higher maintenances by themselves, and therefore, leaving the experts who built the machines to carry out the maintenances. In utilizing a microscope and maintaining one, the expertise of the knowledge worker is mostly required than that of a technical worker. Cost of nanotechnology equipment cannot be generalized as it depends on the area of focus and on how often that equipment will be used. It is also dependent on the type of microscopes required, the specification and functionality of each microscope, processing material, processing technique, the amount of utilization and level of skill required to use the high end/low end microscopes. THEME 4: Infrastructural cost for setting up a state of the art R&D laboratory for nanotechnology Recommendation Pertinent infrastructure should be purchased and given to universities directly by the government instead of assigning the universities the responsibility to make the purchase themselves; and also restructure the high allocation given to universities. Meaning to say, the allocation can be restructured in a way that it will consider only the cost of materials, human capital (excluding equipment) and cost of maintenance. Being very exorbitantly costly, the universities have complained of not having enough from their allocation to set aside for paraphernalia. This dilemma can be resolved if the endowing party provides the university in the form of paraphernalia instead of monetary. Once this matter is dealt with, then the government can proceed to examine to what extent has this initiative made a difference to the standard of nanotechnology research productivity. Nanotechnology equipment that far exceeds the minimum cost threshold of government estimated expenditure can be placed in a centralized unit of each university. This can prevent the hassle and time depletion for one university from visiting another university to use a specific equipment. Instead of purchasing equipment for each science faculty/department, all science faculties according to time allocations can utilize one unit. This aspect is taking in consideration the verity that these equipment are not necessarily used 24/7.
of nanotechnology Hands on cannot substitute traditional classroom learning. There has to be a constructive blend of both. The preeminent way would be to exploit and explore all feasible yet practicable learning techniques in the field of education. Just relying on hands on will merely generate people who are incapable of thinking larger. They will learn minute things but will lose sight of the bigger picture. Experience cannot simply replace classroom learning. This is true not only for the field of nanotechnology Hands on without knowledge accumulated from traditional classroom learning will take us nowhere This is especially exact for nanotechnology. Those who wish to take their research to greater heights (meaning to a higher status), they will require a deep knowledge about assorted aspects of nanotechnology. Only if they meet these conditions, they would be able to execute hands on or else they will replicate, duplicate and reiterate what other people have previously done It will produce a whole line of technical workers rather than knowledge workers If it’s a simple optical (light) microscope (for example, an introductory biological compound microscope), then any student from elementary school will be proficient in knowing how to use it. But when it comes to the field of nanotechnology, one will require the use of electron microscopes such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM). For SEM, it will require the basic background because you need to apply and interpret the results. A Bachelors degree will do. For TEM however, you will require higher levels of training to interpret the results. Here, a Masters degree will be preferred Declares that postgraduate training and experience is paramount for the use of the TEM You cannot produce a person who has just learnt the use of a TEM from school to be an expert in TEM microscopy; because to understand the use of a TEM, you need in depth knowledge of Chemistry, Physics, Electronics and Mathematics. So therefore we cannot produce a student who just finished school learning - to use microscopes”. You may probably produce technicians but you can never produce researchers In terms of maintaining microscopes For SEM, you need a higher level of maintenance. There is back up service provided by the supplier but only to a certain level
of nanotechnology No infrastructure is being manufactured by Malaysian owned companies. They are all manufactured overseas. When the sole distributor (based in Malaysia) for the foreign company sells the equipment (manufactured by the foreign company) to the government agency locally, there is a tendency to mark up the price by 100 – 200% in order to create a profit The difference between the actual cost of the product and its selling price goes over the top Maintenance is equally exorbitant. Even if the local government agency/ institution were to purchase it directly from the oversea manufacturer themselves, there is another stumbling block to cross over. The problem of maintenance will arise There are no people to maintain the equipment (microscopy and other equipment) in this country If we directly purchase, we have no option but to ask the engineers abroad for their service for maintenance and that will be very costly Our country lacks the necessary workshop areas and electronic systems to conduct clinical repairs of equipment. As a result, the current situation propels local institutions or government agencies to liaise with the sole distributor that is based in our country In certain countries, students are required to study the manual and acclimatize themselves to repairing these equipment on their own. But this is not practiced in Malaysia It should be part of a component of the learning process. In addition to this, there are different levels of maintenance. The smaller types of maintenance can be carried out by the technicians but those which are not approachable by the technicians will be executed by the manufacturer of the microscope. These levels are defined by the manufacturers themselves. Meaning to say, you cannot go beyond a certain level because there will be a risk of ruining the machine. So in that case, the experts who built the machine will carry out the maintenance
and its transferability into the field of nanotechnology R&D and commercialization Several nano related companies appoint leaders from the field of accounting and finance to steer-drive this technology Majority that is observed, a lot of them are accountants and financial related Some of their backgrounds are completely out of scope from what is required in the field of nanotechnology Because at the end of the day, it’s all about management”. To a large extent, the success of the businesses run by companies in the field of nanotechnology relies on first: The management of resources especially financial resources. It is very rare that you encounter proficiently technical people monopolizing the company boardrooms. Many fail to understand that nanotechnology is different from other technologies. In the field of nanotechnology, the technicality of the subject matter becomes a paramount issue due to the fact that the market is not fully mature and more than ever, the awareness has not fully reached its “saturation point The top management and the boardroom must fully understand what this technology is all about If you put IT people, they have different intelligence and strengths. If you put electronics, it may help provide the product of focus is electronics related. Then they are able to interface between the different electronics products whether it is nano embedded or not. They can tell Another aspect that needs attention is the amount of appreciation you need to have towards the product in focus. As long as you can identify and appreciate, you can sell. One doesn’t need to understand the technology know-how but need to understand the impact of the technology Appreciation in this context refers to fully understanding the impact of nanotechnology. If a company was to bring an intellect from the university, who is proficient with the area of Physics and Chemistry, but they are not exposed to the area of nano, the progression will still be fast. But of course if a person is not a scientist and bring them into the organization to work on nano, then they will not be able to do it Like a relay, they need to walk one step more, and another step more. Maybe there would be a degree of overlapping and maybe some can cross and some cannot cross
and its transferability into the field of nanotechnology R&D and commercialization It would be best to have the best of both worlds where by the decision makers of the company is represented by the technology side and the business side This is very rare to have in one person or in one group the best of both sides Even if you are a technologist, but a technologist who lacks the coerce force to drive the technology; it will still be in vain. Or the technologist may own the knowledge and competency of nanotechnology They may lack the realization of market penetration……” since nanotechnologists also need to be realistic in terms of its future financial impact to the firm. Technologists need to recognize and understand that the market willingness must be there. Therefore, this is viewed as a challenge to technologists The top management and the boardroom must fully understand what this technology is all about They must understand the industry mindset. For instance, if the firm wants to go for market minus, same quality or better quality but same price or how to make something better with the same cost or to make the same thing but at a lower cost so that both public and industry can benefit, the onus is on the research community.”. What we need is a fusion of two very important elements: entrepreneurs and the technologists. If we can combine to what we call a technopreneur, that would be excellent. But this is rare and not often found”. For this to envision into a reality The technologist need to be more aware of the commercialization factors whereas the entrepreneur need to educate themselves on the technical aspects of nanotechnology”. However, another researcher believes otherwise. You cannot make a businessman a scientist. Let the scientist be a scientist and the businessman be a businessman Each of them just needs to make sure that any communication breakdown between sides is properly bridged and streamlined to increase its efficiency. In other words, every nano industry needs a strong champion with the right vision We need a technical architect to drive collaborations in the field of nanotechnology whereby he will strive to combine the roles of academia institutes and research institutes on certain collaboration. Of course he or she has to be someone that people recognize in this field
and its transferability into the field of nanotechnology R&D and commercialization There should be a consortium of technology. For example, a person working in the pharmaceuticals to drive the pharmaceutical area and a person who is working in the agriculture to drive the agricultural area……Meaning to say, from what is observed, everyone seems to be doing their own small pockets of research but they are not converging. So we need a person or a single entity to merge them all together There is an unimaginable amount of knowledge and know-how that recites in the university. There is actually a bank of human capital stored there but the only thing is that the research community should not be working in silo. They should be talking more with the market or nanotechnology industry Findings indicate that there should be an amalgamation of roles placed in the field of nanotechnology and that the management of nanotechnology is as imperative as the technical know-how’s of this field. It would be a great asset, if the specific knowledge of the former be incorporated into the nanotechnology curriculum
is putative and usually required in a R&D and commercialization research debate. The exaction of what would be a standard time frame between R&D and commercialization is unconceivable now, but does not imply to suggest that there cannot be any policy recommendations to contract the lengthy time factor Time inferences made by experts remain to be inconsistent and alarmingly irresolute but neither one has combated the possibility of attaining reasonable time dynamics of translating a nanotechnology prototype into a product within a stipulated period. The differentiation of engineering and manufacturing processes encapsulated within each field defines the time factor and deters the possibility of achieving a standard time frame
characteristics driven shapes into precision oriented and intricate homogenous contours, reproducibility of characteristics, unrealizable uniformity and regularity, production of large volumes, optimization and procedure complexity negatively contribute towards the intensified time factor Due to the proliferation of a solid knowledge base that eventually leads to knowledge assimilation and accumulation triggered by an overwhelming demand of customer needs generated through constant feedback loops causes technological capabilities to evolve incrementally. The incremental evolvement of such technological capabilities is what brings about technological change. This technological change precipitates in parallel with time. The development of nanotechnology products revolves within this analogous mechanism whereby increased and “unresponsive” time expended on applied research will eventually cause technological capabilities that which depends solely on the potential of nano components experimented and derived from basic research, to become obsolescent and thereby, giving competitors a competitive advantage.
is necessitated for nanotechnology compared to other emerging technologies but does make a point in suggesting that support in generating a skilful human capital and workforce in the form of scientists and technopreneurs specializing in nanotechnology is significantly necessary. However, this formula alone will not guarantee in catalysing the field of nanotechnology in the effort towards transforming a nano prototype into a consumer driven product.
positive correlation between initiatives set forth and time taken for the transformation process if ever done successfully but there has not been any indicators to verify how successful these initiatives have been since their establishments. Outflow of funding is obvious but successful nano innovations are not yet vastly imminent because many countries’ nano research keeps returning back to solving problems underpinning basic research after a continuous application and commercial downfall.
nanotechnology; and the level of productiveness of government initiatives can positively attribute but not necessarily solely catalyse the leap into successful nanotechnology commercialization. A change in structural dimensions and organizational architecture within the academia and industry environmental setting, a solid alliance and productive partnership between academia and industry, R&D legislative policies, and a meticulously planned and effective nanotechnology curriculum will add support towards catalysing this leap.
the gun” approach to push nanotechnology development and should be regarded as too early at this juncture, considering that many projects in basic research is nowhere close to commercial realization. Therefore, there should be a certain amount of government focus into investigating why many projects funded for basic research are not mobilizing into the realms of applied research, where true potential of commercial realization closely lies.
nanotechnology, can become immersed into the different tiers of education, lower than that of the undergraduate, Masters and PhD programs, in order to magnetize the younger generation towards the study of multidisciplinary science through the subject of nanotechnology. Ambitious it may sound but the validation made, forecasts the production of potential hybrids through the avid inculcation of “fused science” during the most adolescent years of students’ learning. This will trigger the sporadic path of discerning and appreciating science through the multispectral angles of nanotechnology by way of diversified forms of patois and understanding, not just science but the non-science (management subjects) as well.
the exhaustive need to partake in the knowledge and technology transfer of pertinent assets available from each side of the treaty and that, when profusely channelled asynchronously, will accomplish the core purpose of the treaty establishment. The final product that surfaces from cross-inclination of both parties is often imminent but far reaching, due to the highly prioritized ambitions of individual entities. The fulfilment of these priorities is the central sphere towards the sustainability of nanotechnology because they define the two opposite extremes, which are hard-core R&D and technopreneurship.
product of continuous re-engineering performed iteratively rather than “fast track” results achieved within a contracted period, which do not ensure innovation quality and thereby resulting in the planning of an unrealistic and representative time factor between research and commercialization by university and academia during the initial stages. Graduate student exchange coming from the academic platform into industry is not merely shaped to provide for the needs of the industry alone but also to be at the receiving end to “exploit the intangible profits” that arise from the use of highly equipped infrastructure and application personnel - the phenomenal relationship that can only occur with a high technology firm, which parallels to that of a graduate student exchange in terms of production engineers, designers and state of the art nanotechnology equipment.
non-existence and non-participatory role of the industry prior and during the conceptualization and development of the prototype, which results in the domino effect of unfeasible specifications and high ceiling cost, that are not viable in the real-time production world. This augury is also reversible once the protagonist roles of a university become that of a self-sufficient entity that can consist of their very own exclusive university spin off firm to run the commercialization process for the university.
the expected timeline” is a result of the “out of the blue” intensity in the level of impasses that arise from the execution of these processes within the R&D and commercialization milieu. This presage can be deleterious if there is a deficiency of core knowledge and skills of problem-solving nano related impediments that can be utilized to circumvent the possible externalities and internalities that surround these unpredictable deadlocks. The extent of which can propel the industry to unearth the capabilities of academia; resulting in academia to shift from the safer inner boundaries of mere academic pursuit into the outer boundaries of untested yet prolific nanotechnology emerging postulations.
capacity does not entirely stagger its position within the collaborative partnership, which moves in pursuit towards the commercialization of a nano embedded product. The training of low to high skilled production and manufacturing workforce based on training modules that can be conjointly formulated by both knowledge based and industrial based frontiers, in order to mutually educate an assortment of nanotechnology workers from both sides of the end streams.
as nanotechnology is by navigating through its connective associations with the fundamental relative sciences in order to make visible of the various combination of sciences being synergized and distinctly defined by nano. From the coverage of mainstream subjects in the undergraduate program with the offering of a minor in nanotechnology will not able to guarantee a pure concentration in a nanotechnology area during the Master’s program since it is highly dependent on which mainstream subject during the undergraduate program is likely of interest to the learner for further advancement in that area. The lack of proficiency in other science disciplines leading to the study of nanotechnology will not prevent the learner who is proficient in a single area to pursue nanotechnology and learners need not require a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of nanotechnology from various sciences in order to make a contribution in this field.
more prospects of being developed as a doctorate programme rather than the undergraduate or Master’s programme. In terms of communicating across the various sciences, interpretation, understanding and innovating will be a challenge if one is only proficient in a single area of science and not able to adapt to various scientific interpretations. This means that interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary interpretations will not be able to communicatively synchronize to reach a similar frequency.
acquirement of higher cost equipment for a lesser cost alternative since the acquirement of high cost equipment is for the purpose of maximum utilization for nanotechnology experimentations. A sound management knowledge of the essentialities and priorities of nanotechnology experimentations will be able to make pivotal cost balancing matrixes without comprising the quality of laboratory methodologies. In the field of nanotechnology, technicality of the subject matter becomes a central issue, since the market is not fully mature and awareness of this technology has not immersed into all strata of society, while creating the need for management to be equipped with a level of technology expertise, rather than solely relying on interpretation of experts on the impact of the technology towards its target consumer market.
and diversity of economic sectors so that standards and procedures can be developed and molded to suit each sector appropriately R&D policy need not just spell out the needs of research and development in a particular area but also pronounce clearly and explicitly that its ultimate agenda is to steer its way towards the commercialization of a R&D prototype or invention It should put in place the necessity to adhere towards a certain time limit to produce a product from the time of its basic research until applied research right up to off shooting a fully fledged product in order to prevent resources provided by the government from becoming unworthy of its cause This action will also impact on the positive utilization of government resources The nanotechnology R&D policy needs to manifest a clause that if ever universities are in any way paralyzed by way of not being able to provide a prototype that suit the needs of the market, then they will be indoctrinated to amalgamate or bring their scientific ideas to the attention of a firm (prior development) who will be able to furnish them with the business perspectives and current market trend so as to prevent these prototypes or inventions from sitting in the shelf later In other words, these firms will guide these universities (not in terms of scientific expertise) but with the current market needs prior development of a prototype This way, the cost of making the product can be advocated earlier on and a straight forward financial rundown can be envisioned prior development This too will impact on the positive utilization of government resources endowed on universities In order to bring out an invention or a product on time for market release, the government should be able to provide incentives or assistances from the perspective of reducing the time factor These incentives and assistances should come in the form of assigning product engineers and design specialist to work closer with scientists in the labs in the course of their research and development Either these product engineers or design specialist can be the direct product of a university podium itself or the product of years of firm experience However, the selection of these personnel should be based on their sharp expertise on nanotechnology Scientists can request them for their projects with the condition that these research projects will be completed within a stipulated time frame 1 2 3 4 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
endowments to universities to perform research is for them to be innovatively productive – meaning to say, bring out innovations that will be successful in the market place This is the era of commercialization. Except for the medical research of a particular drug to cure cancer and AIDS which takes numerous years, these government endowments are not for the purpose of allowing scientists to remain stationary at the phase of nanotechnology basic research but to progress to the stages of applied research If ever this being the case, then the government research and development council should hold an investigative committee to enquire the solid reasons for delaying applied research considering that a great amount endowments have been supplied to research universities to bring out obvious applications This would help construct a precipice between research in the university and commercialization in our country An independent agency (separate entity) needs to be set up to look into the safety of nanotechnology inventions prior to mass production or market release NND cannot absorb all these responsibilities Exploring and probing into the safety of nanotechnology should be a sole and designated role or portfolio authorized to an independent agency Since it will take a while for the public to become aware of the issues surrounding nanotechnology, the government should take full responsibility in determining whether or not these products are safe and healthy for public usage The aspect of safety can only be thoroughly said to have reached a saturation point if only there is at least a certain amount of understanding absorbed by the many different types of people who form the society at large They have to be rationally warned of the side effects and dangers of unapproved and uncertified nanotechnology products or told to realize its gains in order to fully embrace its potential The government needs to start organizing two way interactive talks on the subject of nanotechnology and its role in society so that it is not entirely misconstrued There should be a fixed criterion and requirement that a product needs to comply with in order to be categorized as a nano product There should be an explicitly stated specification of what percentage (%) of nano component needs to be embedded in order to be declared as a nano product 5 6 7 8
to nanotechnology need to be in coordination with one another Except for grants being issued to universities by the ministries, currently there are no obvious linkages between the two Many research activities are being conducted by research institutes (based in universities) but they are not being scrutinized or monitored to find out how productive are these research activities There should be a comprehensive plan crafted by the endowment agency/ministry to track the progress of these research funded activities that includes making physical visits to scientists’ labs/workshop where the research is being conducted; and grants to be segmented conditionally based on various phases of research outputs (and not be made in lump sum) This will augment the standards of nanotechnology research productivity in our country Since many universities are said to be lacking very crucial infrastructure required to conduct nano research, these pertinent infrastructure for nanotechnology should be purchased and given to universities directly by the government instead of assigning the universities the responsibility to make the purchase themselves; and also restructure the high allocation given to universities University PhD and MSc students coming from science backgrounds should be instructed to study the maintenance manual of the necessary equipment so that in lieu of suppliers, graduates will able to conduct the maintenance on the equipment as part of their practical training or hands on training experience This will ensure that these postgraduates will understand first hand of the ins and outs of the functionalities of microscopy equipment used for nanotechnology Nanotechnology equipment that far exceeds the minimum cost threshold of government estimated expenditure can be placed in a centralized unit of each university This can prevent the hassle and time depletion for one university from visiting another university to use a specific equipment Instead of purchasing equipment for each science faculty/department, one unit can be utilized by all science faculties according to time allocations This aspect is taking in consideration the verity that these equipment are not necessarily used 24/7 9 10 11 12
technopreneurs and entrepreneurs who are greatly required in the field of nanotechnology In order for many transformations from prototype to product to flourish, the number of hours and number of specific expertise need to be amplified Encourage large local companies (e.g. oil and gas) to prioritize nanotechnology research as part of their policy and provide opportunities and grants to PhD research students to work with them in nanotechnology In this sense, professors from our country’s premier universities can become affiliated with these companies on a contract basis On top of this, these large companies can endow universities with research grants to conduct further research in nanotechnology The Registrar of Companies need to annually assess the number of companies involved in nanotechnology in this country and find out how many are legitimately registered nanotechnology companies and revamp the specifications in distinguishing, which firm is eligible to be categorized as a nanotechnology firm and triggering the requirement to constantly review firm activity to avoid legal penalties. Physical annual visits need to take place to see for themselves whether these companies really exist The Department of Statistics (DOS) and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation need to measure the number of scientists/engineers involved in nanotechnology locally and globally, number of student enrollments and number of degrees/majors conferred in the area of nanotechnology in universities (if any) Many universities claim that they have many graduates specializing in the field of nanotechnology; however there is no evidence to support this claim Therefore, it would benefit the science community if these two (2) organizations were to carry out out a census to measure these statistics even if the number is small; so that the science community is aware If the cost of carrying out census of this sort is excessive, then the government needs to also consider this cost in their annual budget allocated for nanotechnology 13 14 15 16
Department of Statistics (DOS) and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation providing information on spending by each country on nanotechnology, it will be more beneficial if governmental statistical surveys and census reports begin tracking figures on ‘how’ each country spends the total amount of governmental spending on nanotechnology Government should provide tax exemptions for SMEs that conduct R&D in nanotechnology These tax exemptions should be offered for at least 10 years (not 5 years which is the minimum number given to SMEs conducting any type of R&D) since it takes a lot of high investment to venture into nanotechnology and returns could only be seen in a long term basis However, in this case, the Registrar of Companies needs to collaborate with organizations like MIDA to monitor the progress and existence of these companies It is of no use giving out tax exemptions to firms that claim to be conducting R&D in paper but do not conduct any type of R&D in reality From the perspective of funding, financial aid by public and private to startups to be classified into different stratums; one of them being nanotechnology startups Owing the fact that financial institutions have provided many forms of fiscal aid to SMEs during the past decade; it’s time for these institutions to further prioritize their SME aid into different stratums Meaning to say, focus should be directed towards the SMEs/startups involved in nanotechnology The main reason for SMEs for not venturing into the field of nanotechnology is because high technology can be risky business Therefore, the Ministry of Finance should be able to provide some kind of incentive such as “guarantor-ship” or a helping hand if in case these companies fail 17 18 19 20
higher tertiary universities should begin crafting ways to develop a creative curriculum for kindergarten students to study not the basic but the “pre – basic” aspects of nanotechnology At present, it will not be seen as useful but in the near future, however, it will serve worthy in the long run When pre- school students are able to play video games and computer games - that which was unimaginable 50 years ago, is comprehensible today The integration of nanotechnology in the pre – school curriculum will be able to help boost their mind's eye of the movement of tiny particles (referring to atoms and molecules) picturesquely and serve as “pre – foundation” or preparation to boldly take on science subjects when taught in schools The subject of nanotechnology should be incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum particularly in Management, Information Technology, Social Sciences degrees and also in the MBA curriculum It should be provided as a core subject or offered to students as a minor/major option Even though research publications still measure up as a standard benchmark used in university rankings and there are very few scholars cum patentees in our country; however, academia has also recognized the importance of patenting But it is the industry that is not willing to have a positive outlook towards the importance of academic publications. Industries in Malaysia should be made aware that many inventions or successful innovations have been the result of conversions from paper to prototype Industries pride themselves with their own ‘publications’ but it is the university academic research publications that are certified as qualified If ever industry is hesitant in disclosing data for the purpose of university publications, then this is where the relevant parties should identify their needs and together craft a constructive and productive work plan to address this issue. As it is, there are so many partnerships, but no evident innovations as proof of output 21 22 23 I
areas of the economy Subsistence for a long period of time Successful R&D endeavors Feyman and Taguichi Destruction or for the betterment of mankind Countries are reluctant to be left behind No signs of surrendering Countries’ initiatives have been booming Countries initiatives have been depressing Countries’ initiatives struggling to move forward NNI (2006) Barriers have triggered the disconnection between the R&D and commercialization of this technology Nanotechnology education and training, patent and publications, nanotechnology innovations, existing policies of emerging and established economies, role of SMEs, collaborative linkages and innovations systems Evolving precursors in the field of nanotechnology • Gaps have been identified • Research questions were deracinated • In-depth analysis of barriers that limit the transition through nanotechnology R&D and commercialization Malaysia
Fingers - clothing containing silver nanoparticles for odor control. The result is odor free garments. Sweater By WoolRich: clothing containing silver nanoparticles for odor control. The result is odor free garments. Water Purification Systems Sensors to warn minute levels of toxins and pathogens in the air Space Exploration Storage and Transmission Technologies Medical Treatment Stain Resistant Clothing Lightweight auto parts Abraxane Drug by Abraxis Nano – Polish by Eagle One Nano Transistor Lightweight cars
Micro-engineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), UKM, Bangi Nanoelectronics, OLED, Micro- electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS), Nanowire, Sensors Set up in 2002. Consist of full time researchers, postgraduate students, PhD graduates, MSc graduates. Collaborating with institutions in Korea, Japan and Indonesia, Telekom and MIMOS Ibnu Sina Institute for Fundamental Science Studies (IIS), UTM, Johor Nanochemistry – nanostructures material, nanocatalysts, carbon nanotube (CNT), nanoelectronic devices Set up in 1997; other sources claim it was set up in 1971. Conducts fundamental science research. Combinatorial Technology and Catalysis Research Center (COMBICAT/NANOCEN),UM Catalysts Set up date of CoE not available Advances Materials Research Center (AMREC), SIRIM Berhad, Kedah Nanomaterials and processes Set up in Shah Alam in 1996; moved to Kedah in 2000 Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology Laboratory (AMNL), UPM, Serdang based in Institute of Advanced Technology, (ITMA), UPM, Serdang Nano-composite materials, nanostructures, carbon nanotubes, Nanomedicine, Electronics Set up in 1999 PutraCAT, UPM, Serdang Nanostructures, nanoparticles of bulk metal oxides Set up in 2008 Institute of Nanoelectronics Engineering (INEE), UniMAP, Perlis Nanobiochips, photonics, non-volatile memory devices, novel devices, smart sensor Set up in 2008 Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS) Nanostructures in MEMS/NEMS, nanoelectronics Set up in 1985 Source: Asia Nano Forum (ANF); Based on Visitations, Institutions and Research Institutes Websites/ Organization Brochures Nanotechnology Institutions and Research Centers in Malaysia
of investments have been made in the area of science and technology even though not specifically in the area of nanotechnology development, this study will extract the key anomalies existing within the nanotechnology environment to give the government and policy makers reason to invest in developing solutions to restrict its bottlenecks To indicate the urgency to prepare human capital in nanotechnology through education and training for the fulfillment of nanotechnology relevant research activities within the next 10 years To make known the total cost of key infrastructure required to undertake a nanotechnology research activity in preparation for financial apportionments by potential applicants To clearly portray the parallel importance of patents and publications in universities and its role in sustaining nanotechnology research To provide the relativity and dependence of multidisciplinary subjects towards developing a future standalone nanotechnology educational program To provide substantial reason for the government to assist universities in creating research opportunities in nanotechnology through partnerships To serve as a data specific and informative monologue in preparing an R&D policy for nanotechnology
1989 1996 1991 1999 1997 Richard Feynman’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom Professor Norio Taniguchi coined the term nanotechnology” ” K. Eric Drexler originates molecular nanotechnology concepts at MIT Wrote “Engines of Creation” Invention of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) by H. Rohrer and G.K. Bining The buckyball (fullerene) was discovered by R. Smalley, R.C. Curl, H. Kroto The first book on nanotechnology “Engines of Creation” by Eric K Drexler was published. Don Eigler manipulated individual atoms using the STM to spell out “IBM” by positioning 35 xenon atoms, and creating the world’s smallest logo Binnig, Quate and Gerber invented the first atomic force microscope-AFM Crystal carbon nanotubes was discovered by Sumio Iijima The world’s smallest nano abacus created out of 10 atoms Zyvex, the first nanotechnology development company started business The first book “Nano- medicine: Basic Capabilities” by Robert Freitas was published 2000 2006 USA’s NNI Malaysia’s NNI • The Emergence of Nanotechnology: A Brief Historical Timeline These are the most historically significant and notable nano innovations
Established Economies •As of 2008, Australia’s nanotechnology policy is still in its infancy and lags international research in the field. In 2007, there were 75 nanotechnology research organizations, including research institutions, universities, Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), ARC Centres of Excellence (CoE), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) and the CSIRO and approximately 80 nanotechnology companies. (Source: Australian Academy of Science (2009) Nanotechnology in Australia; Harwood, Jeffrey and Schibeci, Renato (2008)) AUS •Government efforts in nanotechnology have reached further into the commercial end of the value chain. Their substantial investment in nanotechnology – of the four “science megaprojects” under the Medium and Long term plan (for high technology) has paid large dividends at the research stage but has yet to result in significant commercial payoff. (Source: Appelbaum, Parker, Ridge and Motoyama (2010)) CHI •Nanotechnology in India is a public driven initiative and industry participation is still at a nascent stage. Major funding for nanotechnology R&D is being provided by government agencies. Although private sector is exploring the opportunities in nanotechnology, its expenditure is very small as yet. In terms of investment in nanotechnology, India lags behind countries like China. (Source: International Development Research Center Canada, 2009) IND JAP • Involved in semcionductor processing (nanostructures) and micro machines. Nanotechnology in Japan refers to the construction of nanostructures on semiconductors and other inorganic surfaces. Manufacturers like Fujitsu, Hitachi, Matsushita Electric, Mitsubishi Electric, NEC, Oki, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, Toray, Mitsui and Toshiba have invested in nanotechnology research. (Source: Sienko. T (2010) Present Status of Japanese Nanotechnology Efforts)
Established Economies •The government launched the Korean Nanotechnology Initiative (KNI) in 2001. The first phase of the master plan spanned from 2001 – 2005. The 1st phase focused on creating infrastructure for nanotechnology R&D. The 2nd phase of the master plan is spanning from 2006 – 2015 and focused on laying the foundation for industrialization. During the 2nd phase, R&D investment increased and investment for infrastructure decreased. Since 2005, Korea is currently ranked fourth (4th) in terms of nanotechnology competitiveness. (Source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (XXXX) Nanotechnology for Dynamic Korea, Korea Nanotechnology Research Society) KOR •The country’s nanotechnology development is far behind other countries – 10 years at least. The National Nanotechnology Center (Nanotech) has set up 7 associate centers in universities nationwide with about 400 researchers in total. The strategic plan aims for 100 per year until 2013. The center has so far awarded 100 scholarships to students to study PhD overseas. (Source: SciDevNet (2010) Thailand Nanotech Makes Ahead) THAI •The National Nanotechnology Initiative is said to have been initiated in 1986. UK was recognized to be ahead of other countries when the nanotechnology research program started in the mid – 1980s. However, several government reports have reported that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and scientific community lacked the foresight to drive the technology forward. It has also been said that the commercialization of nanotechnology research is the UK has been dismal. There have not been any reports to justify any improvement since. (Source: House of Commons Science and Technology (2004)) UK US • The US has been the first countries to recognize the potential of nanotechnology and to establish R&D funding for nanotechnology. Initial support for nanotechnology R&D dates back to 1980s. With the establishment of NNI in 2000, federal investment in nanotechnology has been coordinated. R&D funding has increased greatly since then. (Source: P. Shapira and J. Wang (2007))
Table 1.5 are a non-exhaustive list of interview questions, which were posed to the respondents. This qualitative method was conducted using an “open ended” approach whereby the questions were not worded in exactly the same way with each participant. As a researcher, I had the responsibility to respond and probe immediately to what the participants had to say by constructing subsequent questions to information the participants had provided. Interview questions were never given to the participants in advance. In other words, the interviews were conducted using an impromptu technique in order to evoke spontaneous and unanticipated results rather than rehearsed responses. The specific exploratory questions bifurcated into the development of different lines of questioning (same question subject but posed through a different angle or perspective) from one interviewee to another based on aspects of findings that required additional authentication and validation. Explicit Presentation of Exploratory Questions Building Blocks Issues Raised/Missing Gaps Primary Research Question Broad Exploratory Question Specific Exploratory Question Time Factor From 1934, 2003 right up to 2012, there has not been any indication of the time necessitated in transforming a nanotechnology prototype into a fully-fledged product and whether or not this time factor acts as an obstruction towards research and commercialization of nanotechnology - is a subject that has thus been relegated from research debate Can time factor between research and commercialization of nanotechnology serve as an impediment towards the development of nanotechnology products and innovations? What is the estimated time between research and commercialization of nanotechnology? What are the several engineering challenges that slow the progress/lengthen this time factor? What are the possible engineering solutions performed to solve the dilemma? Any risks and uncertainties that need to be addressed in pursuit of these solutions? Why nano electronics? How long is the product development life cycle? Has the estimation of time factor between R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology magnetized conflicting opinions? Are there any variations that exist in terms of field to field differentiations through their own activities and occurring conditions? How would you describe the diversity of economic sectors with relation to that of time in terms of transitioning prototypes into fully fledged products for nanotechnology? Is there any balance occurring between research activities and development activities, which are two pertinent components within a larger entity referred to as R&D? What are the engineering challenges within the R&D arena that contribute to the escalating or unpredictable time factor during the transition? Adaptability/Compatibility Intrusive vs non- intrusive nature of nanotechnology Can the diversity of the new radical and disruptive technology allow it to acclimatize with existing systems or will it cause the previous and older technologies to become obsolete? The thing with nanotech innovations is that they usually comprise new materials that have very technical characteristics often never seen before. Do you consider this as an engineering challenge? Do nanotechnology innovations need to strongly depend on complementary factors in order to succeed commercially? (Example: MRI technology depends on the availability of high field superconducting magnets, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computer imaging) Would you say that nanotechnology is more complexed than biotechnology? How diverse is this new radical and disruptive technology? In what way can it acclimatize with existing systems? Will it cause the previous and older technologies to become obsolete? What factors will ensure that this radical and disruptive technology is going to be accepted commercially? And how lucrative will it be? Can nanotechnology innovations be developed into standalone applications without the need to acclimatize with other complementary innovations, applications and environments? What are the technology factors that contribute to the adaptability and compatibility of nanotechnology innovations in coalescing with external environments and applications?
Table 1.5 are a non-exhaustive list of interview questions, which were posed to the respondents. This qualitative method was conducted using an “open ended” approach whereby the questions were not worded in exactly the same way with each participant. As a researcher, I had the responsibility to respond and probe immediately to what the participants had to say by constructing subsequent questions to information the participants had provided. Interview questions were never given to the participants in advance. In other words, the interviews were conducted using an impromptu technique in order to evoke spontaneous and unanticipated results rather than rehearsed responses. The specific exploratory questions bifurcated into the development of different lines of questioning (same question subject but posed through a different angle or perspective) from one interviewee to another based on aspects of findings that required additional authentication and validation. Explicit Presentation of Exploratory Questions Initiatives The absence of further contemplation to look into whether government initiatives can work out and solve the inadequacies in nanotechnology research and commercialization Can government initiatives and incentives resolve the impediments faced, accelerate the research and commercialization of nanotechnology; and help spur firms to pursue nanotechnology as a commercial prospect? Do you think Malaysia is merely doing frontier research? Meaning to say, are we merely going deeper into the knowledge of nanotechnology without bringing out any obvious applications? Are additional “lubricants” necessary for the development of nanotechnology due to the nature of its complexity compared to other technologies? Have initiatives proved to be a positive catalyst in the transition and development of nanotechnology prototypes? How successful have these initiatives been in demonstrating a positive correlation between initiatives and the development of worthy outputs? Is our county ready to cross into the threshold of nanotechnology commercialization as yet? Incentives There are only 4 nanotech firms in Malaysia. There are no barriers of entry/no monopoly that exist in the field of nanotechnology. Yet, why so few? Out of these firms, none of them are manufacturing nano products, conducting nano R&D or have any ties with any universities. They are only sole distributors of nano products manufactured globally. What are the barriers that are hindering start-ups from conducting nanotechnology R&D, manufacturing and production? Are companies today interested in transformational nano products or incremental nano products? What are the barriers that are hindering large companies from conducting nanotechnology R&D? Before funding comes in, a market must exist and research must move toward a product. Is there a market for nanotechnology products in Malaysia? Can incentives benefit larger companies to get involved in nanotechnology development? Can incentives benefit SMEs to get involved in nanotechnology development considering its high investment and high financial risks? Even if it is not nanotechnology specific, hundreds of millions of ringgit of government funding support our country, but we are still not equipped with one of the best research labs in the world? Why not? So many universities still complain of the lack of equipment required for nanotechnology? How would you describe the nation /organization’s commitment towards nanotechnology (Note: They invest in this technology on one year; then decide to cut investment the next year). Isn’t this a disruptive environment? Universities in Malaysia seem to have already recognized the existence of nanotechnology but our government does not seem to have recognized this technology yet. What would it take to bring this technology to their attention? Building Blocks Issues Raised/Missing Gaps Primary Research Question Broad Exploratory Question Specific Exploratory Question
Table 1.5 are a non-exhaustive list of interview questions, which were posed to the respondents. This qualitative method was conducted using an “open ended” approach whereby the questions were not worded in exactly the same way with each participant. As a researcher, I had the responsibility to respond and probe immediately to what the participants had to say by constructing subsequent questions to information the participants had provided. Interview questions were never given to the participants in advance. In other words, the interviews were conducted using an impromptu technique in order to evoke spontaneous and unanticipated results rather than rehearsed responses. The specific exploratory questions bifurcated into the development of different lines of questioning (same question subject but posed through a different angle or perspective) from one interviewee to another based on aspects of findings that required additional authentication and validation. Explicit Presentation of Exploratory Questions Building Blocks Issues Raised/ Missing Gaps Primary Research Question Broad Exploratory Question Specific Exploratory Question Multidisciplinary Comprehensive vs non comprehensive: The hybrid Infrastructure Infrastructural cost for setting up a state of the art R&D laboratory for nanotechnology Knowledge Absorption Awareness and interactivity Skills transferability The requirement and amalgamation of multiple skills and its transferability into the field of nanotechnology R&D and commercialization Education Single area focus vs multiple areas of focus Human Capital/Workforce The technical worker vs the knowledge worker What is the cost of setting up a sophisticated R&D lab for nanotechnology? Can the level of knowledge absorption and awareness affect the interactivity concerning R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology? To what extent can nanotechnology be diffused into the education curriculum considering the fact that the nanoscale concept has immense link to a combination of interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary subjects? Which would a serve as a tool in producing knowledgeable human capital required for the commercialization of nanotechnology? How transferable are other diverse management and background skills and how quickly can they learn how to drive these new business models? What good will it do when students pursue a too broad an education and end up knowing little about many fields, but not enough in any one field to make a significant contribution? Note: Cross fertilization of specialist knowledge. Requirement of individuals of a hybrid nature who understands a variety of technical subject and facilitate the transfer of knowledge within the company (For instance: hybrid managers should have technical training and managerial training) What are the risks/uncertainties that come with pursuing the field of nanotechnology? How can we plan for the uncertainties that come with nanotechnology? How do we deal with these challenges? Hands on training vs. traditional classroom learning: Which would a serve as a quicker tool in producing human capital required for the commercialization of nanotechnology? Hands on training can be acquired in a shorter time span compared to traditional classroom learning which requires years of study. In other words, can the “capstone experience” be effective single-handedly given the fact that we need a solid number of nanotechnology workforce? What is the cost of setting up an R&D department in nanotechnology? What would be the cost of setting up a manufacturing plant for the production of nanotechnology products? Since those required in a sophisticated lab is not the same as those required in a rough and tumble such as a manufacturing plant. When it comes to human capital, in many companies, senior management is being recruited from leaders in other industries, often from IT and other electronic businesses. While some of these people often come from outstanding track records, however when it comes to this new field of nanotechnology, how transferable are their skills and how quickly can they learn how to drive these new business models? They say one of the challenges is to manufacture these materials in large volumes with consistent quality at a reasonable cost. Why? What are the factors that contribute to the cost of setting up a manufacturing plant for the production of nanotechnology products? Since those required in a sophisticated lab is not the same as those required in a rough and tumble such as a manufacturing plant? How would one address something as wide and comprehensive as nanotechnology? Will the lack of proficiency in other scientific discipline leading to the study of nanotechnology prevent the learner who is proficient in a single area to pursue nanotechnology? In order to contribute in the field of nanotechnology, are comprehensive learners mostly required as opposed to non comprehensive learners? Will the proficiency in a single area of science create inflexibility in the movement towards expanding in the field of nanotechnology? What if the university constructs a nanotechnology curriculum specifically for undergraduates whereby it will guide students from the perspectives of Biology, Chemistry and Physics? Will that be good or bad? What approach can be taken in the delivery of nanotechnology and how it should be addressed within the tertiaries of university education (undergraduate, Masters, PhD)? Are there any prospects for nanotechnology to exist as a standalone discipline? Is the hybrid expertise of the field of nanotechnology considered to be comprehensive or non comprehensive learners? What are the problems/challenges of conglomerating the various specialists in the sciences of nanotechnology? What are the problems/challenges that would lead to the difficulties in constructing a standalone nanotechnology program? In the field of nanotechnology, which requires high levels of training: The technical worker or the knowledge worker? What about the expertise of using microscopes and the expertise of maintaining microscopes, which are widely used in the field of nanotechnology: Whose expertise is required the most: The technical worker or the knowledge worker? Is there a standard and well defined cost for instituting a laboratory for conducting nanotechnology experimentations? In the field of nanotechnology experimentations, can the acquirement of high cost equipment be compromised in favor of low cost equipment? Are high cost equipment a matter of maximum utilization in the field of nanotechnology? What factors are nanotechnology experimentation equipment dependent on? In the area of nanotechnology management: Which is more crucial? Is it the understanding of technology expertise or the impact of technology towards its target consumer market? Would be a matter of great importance to incorporate the management of technology into the nanotechnology curriculum?
Table 1.5 are a non-exhaustive list of interview questions, which were posed to the respondents. This qualitative method was conducted using an “open ended” approach whereby the questions were not worded in exactly the same way with each participant. As a researcher, I had the responsibility to respond and probe immediately to what the participants had to say by constructing subsequent questions to information the participants had provided. Interview questions were never given to the participants in advance. In other words, the interviews were conducted using an impromptu technique in order to evoke spontaneous and unanticipated results rather than rehearsed responses. The specific exploratory questions bifurcated into the development of different lines of questioning (same question subject but posed through a different angle or perspective) from one interviewee to another based on aspects of findings that required additional authentication and validation. Explicit Presentation of Exploratory Questions Building Blocks Issues Raised/Missing Gaps Primary Research Question Broad Exploratory Question Specific Exploratory Question Research Opportunities Nanotechnology opportunities within the non-science To what extent can non – research colleges and universities take advantage of these opportunities considering the fact that nanotechnology still remains a field that is heavily research based? Can nanotechnology be incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum particularly in Management, Information Technology, Social Sciences degrees and also in the MBA curriculum in a comprehensive way? How can nanotechnology be immersed in a comprehensive way into non-research colleges without the use of high tech laboratory facilities? R&D Policy The formation of R&D policy for nanotechnology Will there be a need to call for unification of R&D policies and procedures concerning the multisectoral nature of nanotechnology? Given the fact that nanotechnology is being developed and applied in many different fields or sectors of the economy, how will the government synchronize the principles and standards derived from each sector? And make it one single sector? How will the governing body create and put into effect policies regarding its R&D? (In terms of legal mechanisms such as tax codes, patent law, and anti- trust regulations)
Table 1.5 are a non-exhaustive list of interview questions, which were posed to the respondents. This qualitative method was conducted using an “open ended” approach whereby the questions were not worded in exactly the same way with each participant. As a researcher, I had the responsibility to respond and probe immediately to what the participants had to say by constructing subsequent questions to information the participants had provided. Interview questions were never given to the participants in advance. In other words, the interviews were conducted using an impromptu technique in order to evoke spontaneous and unanticipated results rather than rehearsed responses. The specific exploratory questions bifurcated into the development of different lines of questioning (same question subject but posed through a different angle or perspective) from one interviewee to another based on aspects of findings that required additional authentication and validation. Explicit Presentation of Exploratory Questions Building Blocks Issues Raised/Missing Gaps Primary Research Question Broad Exploratory Question Specific Exploratory Question Sustainability The right thermometer of standing Partnerships Patents The distinct priorities of academia and industry and how it affects the R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology To what extent have strategic partnerships ensured the long-term sustainability in the field of nanotechnology? Does the phenomenon whereby publishing and patenting move away in two (2) separate directions in the form of two (2) separate activities hinder the R&D and commercialization of nanotechnology? How can strategic partnerships ensure long term sustainability in the field of nanotechnology? Do you think more universities professors should become affiliated with the companies that conduct nanotechnology R&D to make strategic partnerships to be successful? How will the universities’ management know if the strategic partnership is in fact actually working? What will the thermometer of measure be? To what extent are strategic partnerships doable and how long will it last? Do the academic need to publish and the industry need to patent hinder the commercialization process? Do you think there should be a separation between the two? Are both academia and industry moving in two different directions? What are the challenges faced by industry in partnerships in terms of working with academia? What are the challenges faced by academia in partnerships in terms of working with industry? What would be the possibilities of occurrences if the university were to work alone? What are the expected intangible benefits that transpire from constructive partnerships? Does a partnership directly develop the expertise of the academician? Are large companies making use of university infrastructure for nanotechnology R&D? Are start-ups making use of university infrastructure for nanotechnology R&D (or vice versa)? What potential benefits do these companies expect to gain if it invested in those R&D projects? Who gets the first right to apply for a patent? The university or the partner company Who bears all costs incurred by the patent applications Are you research results available for further research and education purposes? Where does your funding come from? Do you fund PhD students and postdocs? E.g. provide grants and training In many countries/research institutes, many inventions (esp. nano inventions) are never patented, either because of the time and effort required to acquire a patent or because they do not want to publicly disclose the operation of their new product or process. How is it in your company?
applying this technique Sample size Methodology Due to its flexibility in terms of selecting respondents according to a particular research purpose or research question Not fixed prior to data collection and strongly depended on the time and resources available Depended on the research objectives Determined based on data saturation (the point in data collection when new and additional data no longer delivered or contributed any additional insights to the research questions). Initiated a series of interviews with participants within academia and outside academia while continuing the progress of conducting additional interviews until no new data of significance were emerging This is the point whereby data collection comes to a halt; a step attributable to a complete compilation of research findings that evidently satisfies the research questions at hand Justifies the number of informants chosen for this study This technique proved to be extremely effective during the course of iteratively conducting data review and analysis in conjunction with data collection. This technique did not adhere to a steadfast requirement; but considered an estimate rather than a strict quota 1 2 3
did not directly employ the technique of snow balling whereby the respondent directs the researcher to another potential participant Snow balling technique was not used because it clutches on to the possibility of conglomerating and relying on the needs and social network of the respondent alone instead of the needs specific to the study Without relying on the social circle or contacts of the respondent single-handedly, the phenomenon harnessed, connected and controlled the study to a specific criterion set by the researcher alone Why was the snowballing technique not applied for this study?
a complete perspective of the outlook of the subject under scrutiny Firm and organization investigation were exercised thoroughly to verify and validate the data derived through semi-structured interviews as a way of gaining a deeper yet different and insightful form of understanding of the same subject Respondent validation was not selected as a verification process for the purpose of this study due to the risk of respondents altering their spontaneous and impromptu responses to something that would be considered ‘safer’ There was no need to send back the transcripts to the respondents for verification checking Interviewee [AA] needed to be posed again through the same and different level of questioning to Interviewee [AB] to increase data precision, which not only increased the level of confidence in the findings for this research along the way but also displayed consistent data flow towards attaining the right answers to the research questions This was done correspondingly with data anthology and analysis in order to authenticate the data derived from more than one source This would have seriously jeopardized the outcome of the study if ever done The participants were initially assured via email that there were no risks associated with participating with the research study The process continued through the development of different lines of questioning (same question subject but in a different angle) from one interviewee to another based on finding aspects that required additional authentication A reasonable amount of time was allocated between interview [AA] and interview [AB] and subsequent interviews for this development to be carried out
Varies from field to field One cannot generalize Indicates that the diversity of economical sectors contributes in parallel to the length of time required to complete the transition process and does not constitute to a standard timeframe. Medical field: there is the requirement of clinical health testing and acceptance, approximately 10 – 15 years Genetic modified crops or a pharmaceutical product: Needs to be released into the market, it has to go through FDA. That alone will take a minimum 1 year just to make sure the testing is done properly Robustness of the technology and its biocompatibility are also set under check Signifies that in the case of medical, biological, or pharmaceutical, there are factors such as standard clinical and technical procedures post development prior to market release that adds on to the time in totality. The addition time taken here does not equate similarly to the time taken in other areas of the economy. Biotech, oil and gas years are considered rather fast. Range of a shorter time factor. Success stories will be in the range of 7 years and 7 is considered rather fast It may take 3 years to come out with an alpha type prototype – a prototype that has the potential to be commercialized but not ready to be commercialized; even though venture capitalist will prefer it to be between 2 -3 years Proof of concept (POC). Build something just to show whether the concept is correct. This is research. Once the concept is proven and established to be correct, begin to make the product. Slowly, the design aspect comes into the picture. This is development. The research part will be to devise and formulate the material that will stand a certain temperature but to construct and craft the cup to look a certain way, that is not the job of a researcher but the job of a designer The absorption of an exacting time concentration is not balanced between R&D. There are cases where research takes longer than development itself or vice versa. There are times where the meticulous design of a certain product, which can exert a pull on the consumer market, can take longer than the time taken for proof of concept (POC). Time evaluations and inferences remain to be irresolute 5 years is comfortable. 3 years is really stretching. There should all kind of assistance and initiatives taken to make it to reach fulfillment in 3 years inclusive of market release. 5 years is reasonable for majority of products. It will take a minimum 7 – 10 years from basic research If nanotechnology is going to get into the medicinal (oral), the medical scientists need to follow the identical suit. It is not to say that in the case of nano, one has to plus another year or another two years. No. It does not work that way. Safety plays an important role in determining whether the full conversion from prototype into product is ready for market release Methodology or synthetic technique Methodology of producing the morphological surface of a nanoparticle. The nanoparticles come in diverse shapes. It could be spherical, it could be cubes. The challenge is that we need to produce it in the shape of spherical so that it is uniform The nanoparticle and the nanotube come in two different shapes. The nanoparticle for instance consists of mechanical, optical, and electrical characteristics but alternatively if we produce carbon nanotubes, its electrical characteristics are much higher than the electrical characteristic of a nanoparticle. Methodology or synthetic technique is very pertinent in the field of nanotechnology because different shapes give out different characteristics. Shapes play a crucial role in the field of nanotechnology but the precision and intricacies involved in constructing a consistent and homogeneous shape such as the spherical can contribute to the increased time factor. Sanction and endorsement Asbestos scare Market acceptance will not subsist because of the fear of the unknown Indicate that: what use will all the efforts (in terms of time) devoted to the R&D development and commercialization activities of the product, if the product ends up a failure in the market (sits in the shelf) all because of the public’s pessimistic perception of nano. CHAPTER 5: FINDINGS THEME 1: Time factor between research and commercialization of nanotechnology
level. Initially, the development of nano in Malaysia was not directed towards commercialization but lately the government began to make an initiative to provide funding for commercialization In the university, most of the research is focused on basic R & D. The university has not shifted focus on to any particular product for a specific target market Malaysia has actually emulated lot of overseas research. Malaysia has the capability in terms of nano. It’s just a matter of forging all of it together into a product. That is slightly moving in a slow state. Initiatives carried out to make this all work has not fortified properly The output of current research remains at the prototyping stage. It also provides substantiation that the initiatives carried out have not been concrete in its endeavors. Compared to other countries, the outputs have not augmented in parallel with the amount of ventures taken to convert a prototype into a fully -fledged product With the advent of commercialization funding, researchers have switched their approach from conducting university-based research towards working in the direction of generating products that can be marketed At the beginning, the gap that would have taken from 5 to 6 years between university research and commercialization then has grown lesser now There have been observations that divulge scenarios whereby in some cases many universities who come out with prototypes which ultimately do not get commercialized It is a matter of cost actually – the cost of processes. That means the method to make no matter what prototype or material, if the cost is high, then many companies are not willing to pick up the technology until the cost can be brought down The cost is not the single most cause of why many prototypes have not been transformed into products Universities are not being guided by market needs because universities are moving in the direction where they want to get recognized. To get recognized, they have to do good research. Priorities between industry and academia are different This is not to say that universities are not making any effort in pursuit of solving this dilemma. Several universities have set up their own divisions to look into the Intellectual Property (IP) and technological related ideas. Still, there seems to be a void that exists between academia and industry. Cannot entirely say that it’s the fault of the university because most industries in Malaysia are still not very high tech This finding paves way to a contrast to other developed countries whereby big industries have excelled in R&D through the convergence between industry and academia. Compared to companies overseas, industries in Malaysia in general are not very strong in nanotechnology R&D. This is because these giant foreign companies have excelled in the research establishment since a very long time. Shell Global and all the other giants are very strong in R&D but Shell Malaysia is close to nil in the R&D of nanotechnology. Shell Global is currently looking at alternative energy as one of their green initiatives and nano materials are believed to be embedded into this alternative energy. Joining Shell are also other companies like Exxon Mobil, Talisman, Murphy, Petrofac, Carigali Hess, Newfield and Motorola who have not yet ventured into the field of nanotechnology. Companies like Hitachi, Sharp and Philips have infiltrated their way into the field of nanotechnology. PETRONAS is one large company in Malaysia who has penetrated into the field of nanotechnology. The company has invested in a center known as COINS situated in University of PETRONAS (UTP). University of Malaya is in a much stronger position in terms of infra and human capital. This finding does not suggest that other universities lack desolately in both these components but implies that University of Malaya has an added edge in terms of advancement. It must be affirmed that no specific figures have been disclosed to authenticate this finding explicitly. What is obvious is that the competition is in the rise in the field of nanotechnology. MIMOS being a research institute, is in the forefront in MEMS and nano. MIMOS has expressed its eagerness to work closely with universities so that they can tailor it in getting a product that is well suited. MIMOS is working with UKM, UM and UiTM. Willing to take the prototype that is functioning and what they do is convert it into a technology. That is the Modus of Operandi in MIMOS. Basic research is done by the universities. MIMOS concentration is in applied research whereby MIMOS has the infrastructure to build up until the device level. MIMOS still needs to incorporate the fundamentals into it. Fundamentals need time to improve. MIMOS has the first generation devices, which they test, but ultimately it is the second-generation devices that they will ultimately use This research institute is currently looking at mostly sensors containing nano materials that are lightweight and that can also serve as a complimentary technology product (combined with other products). There is only one (1) in the market and they are the MPK sensors, which are considered more nano related. The others are still undergoing research Sensors are mainly devised for the purpose of the national benefit especially the plantations in Malaysia CHAPTER 5: FINDINGS
and the other is infrastructure. Another one is people’s mindset, human capital and skill group These are the recognized and acknowledged elements known to mankind to coerce and to controllably oscillate any kind of technology whether it is nanotechnology or biotechnology. Nanotechnology is more complexed than biotechnology. Need a lot of imagination to visualize its movement in terms of atoms and molecules and the ability to manipulate the nano size Finding does not suggest that additional ‘lubricants’ is necessitated due to the nature of its complexity. Initiatives in this sense are associated to “support and facilities”. Support generally comes in the form of funding and facilities come in the form of physical equipment, laboratories and workspace. What is the cohort required is the number (%) of scientists or the technopreneurs’ or the entrepreneurs’ to translate and push the nanotech prototype into product and later into market as opposed to biotech. This finding on the other hand suggests that nanotechnology will require additional ‘lubricants’ in terms of expertise and know – how as opposed to biotechnology. Whether or not these initiatives can serve as a catalyst is somewhat to be monitored closely. It is not something that can be controlled. For example if we want to measure the lifetime of radios – the conventional method is to wait. Buy 10 radios, leave it on and see how long it will last. Another way is accelerated testing. Place the radio in the chamber or expose it to the rain – meaning we place more stress to the device and see how long it will last. Then conduct a 1- month simulation in the lab. Simulation will predict 10 years This finding indirectly proposes a conventional waiting method whereby we invest and wait for the fruits of our labor (which may take 10 – 15 years) or we can augment the number of hours and number of specific expertise (add the level of stress) in order to accelerate the transformation process. As a result, the process becomes more intensified. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) initiated two (2) programs called the Techno Fund and Science Fund. The Techno Fund was widely used to generate and produce prototypes that can be pushed to market. The amount of Techno Fund is limitless (unlimited). A large number (number not specified) who received the Techno Fund grant have with them a prototype that has the potential to be patented and pushed for commercial market. Prior to all this, a market did exist. But the period taken from converting an archetype into a complete product was protracted. It was only subsequent to the funding initiative, it has been observed that the process could be accelerated because it served as an inducement to researchers to focus on producing research outputs that can be commercialized This finding nevertheless does demonstrate that there is a positive correlation between initiatives induced and period taken for the transformation process if ever done successfully but there are no statistics to verify how successful these initiatives have been in the last 4 years since its establishment. However, few experts believe that in contrary to the existence of initiatives set up to catalyze nanotechnology, the question of whether or not our country is ready to cross the threshold of nanotechnology commercialization is highly debatable. The focus of nano research should still be confined within the realms of basic research (fundamental). Should not be so constrained to move towards commercialization yet because there is still lack of knowledge in the basic problems underlying nanotechnology that needs to be pre-solved before we can shift our focus into commercialization. This finding does not suggest that researchers have not progressed towards applied research. They have. If scientists experience certain discrepancies during applied research, then they have no alternative but to move back to basic research While no entity is contradicting the verity that the funding and support from high impact research do exist, it remains a query as to why not many transformations from prototype to product have not yet taken effect in our country. When you apply for a lot of these grants, whether it’s the Techno Fund or the Science Fund, majority of the time, they don’t give money for equipment. They do provide endowments that serve as disbursements to Research Assistants, MSc and PhD students, which include travelling expenses. Another type is the endowments that are left to the institutions to plan for themselves. Nevertheless, if the institutions are not well planned, there will be a tendency for a short circuit. This finding signifies that the unavailability of the equipment for nanotechnology has nothing to do with the matter of funding. The funding already exists. THEME 2: The degree of impact of initiatives towards research and commercialization for nanotechnology CHAPTER 5: FINDINGS
to offer incentives that can impel the enticement of companies to get involved in nanotechnology. These incentives may serve as an effective method to spur SMEs such as tax reductions, loans and grants but in the case of large companies, it will prove to be unsuccessful. No government stimulant can entice a rich company. If they believe they want to come out with their own IP, they have their own funds. The industry needs to recognize for themselves what their priority is. If their priority is towards oil recovery and improvement, it is their onus to make sure that there is continuous flow of oil. This finding brings out the notion that each company has got their own policy and it is in their policy to recognize the importance of nanotechnology and set forth their priorities if the need arises. Instead of government giving out grants; if the large company is interested in venturing deeper into this technology, then the possible option would be to entice the large company to provide grants to universities to conduct research in nanotechnology. One way to look at it is that companies have not yet taken an interest on local universities’ inventions. The other reason is that companies are not prepared to take up such a technology, which will only show long-term promise and no immediate returns. It is just too risky. This finding does not imply that there are surplus inventions produced by universities. However, it does imply the possibility that the research, which is taking place is not bringing out any commendable applications – applications that can trigger companies to take up such a technology due to the lack of reciprocation to market needs. It is also important to note that while there is no monopoly or any barriers for entry for nanotechnology, yet the number of nanotechnology firms remain very few. In industry, SMEs are no exception. The agenda is to make profits; and make sure that this is achieved within a shorter period. Many SMEs are financially not strong. Figuratively it is like a “small boat going into the middle of the ocean” This finding indicates that SMEs endure a rather challenging financial journey in midst of giant companies and also points out that profits that take years to yield will not be tempting to SMEs. The finding also undeviatingly expresses that where the money is; that is where the SMEs are. Incentives will serve as some kind of buffer from the government to spur SMEs to engage in nanotechnology. Not all are knocking the doors of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation because incentives are not made transparent. Many are not aware whereas there is a lot of help waiting. It is untapped. The initial investment is too high and the financial risks are even higher. The return of investment is lower and the main idea of business surrounds on the needs of the people. Nanotechnology suffers from that syndrome. It is an uphill battle. Nowhere do these findings indicate that the deficiency of knowledge is hindering SMEs from pursuing nanotechnology in our country. It also does not prove that they are not in a lack of it. They may be equipped with commercialization processes such as distributing nano products. In terms of R&D and manufacturing, SMEs will need to engage in university collaborations that are rich with a bank of human capital. Nevertheless, whether or not SMEs can meet the expenses of employing technical capabilities and know how in nanotechnology is questionable. At the moment, solitary survival of a SME in nanotechnology will only paralyze its business existence and lifetime. THEME 3: The extent of which government incentives play a role in spurring large companies’ involvement into nanotechnology CHAPTER 5: FINDINGS
compatibility of nanotechnology innovations with existing systems Nanotech innovations Standalone applications Non Standalone App MRI Non - intrusive Nano fiber optics Control delivery system Medical researchers refuse to just deliver active molecules but they also want to control it. Precision delivery = Delivery + precision + control The only way to do it is via NANO Carrier or a substrate Carrier Compatibility It depends on the field e.g. Internal characteristics and safety standards of complementary applications, which are required to work in parallel with nano based innovations vary tremendously in terms of potential impact and safety regulations since complementary applications are non – nano based. The amount of experimentation and testing required are not the same, which can cause the interruption in the transformation process.
knowledge absorption in academia towards creating awareness in nanotechnology Not many will know what nanotechnology is. They will relate nano to its diminutive size. That would be the first thing that will pop up in their minds There are demonstration kits that operate as nano teaching tools which are available in the market that would facilitate in giving a fundamental understanding of what nanotechnology is. But there is not much awareness out there to incite and stimulate the public to go out and purchase these programs The public is very “interesting”. In the sense that if you try to educate them or tell too much, it could backfire. Meaning to say, they will lose interest and get distressed for nothing. As a result, market acceptance will never subsist due to the fear of the unknown The key about nano is because of the interesting physics of characteristics that come about it. However, those details, the general public will not know In the university, interactive learning generally transacts between the student and the lecturer; whereby lecturers’ give lectures and students listen and participate. Another one is tutorials. In tutorials, lecturers supply the questions and students engulf themselves into a series of discussions with the lecturer. That is a two way process. We refer them as active learning and cooperative learning whereby whatever knowledge that students absorb from theory and lectures will be applied and functionalized into their intellectual discourses In the case of nano, interactive learning can be put in practice when a student is asked to problem solve a real time nano related bottle neck; and is requested to present their solutions before the whole class so that to create a Q&A environment at the end of each presentation This is why the general public is neither sentient nor responsive to this subject - because only scarce know But this form of interactive learning can only be successful if one of the parties (at least) who is involved in this information interchange is knowledgeable of the concept of nanotechnology and is able to impart their understanding of the subject to their counterparts. This finding does not entail that the public should not be educated on the topic of nanotechnology; however, it suggests that public awareness should be given precedence; whereby the public should be sufficiently well informed in order to understand that nano is not entirely dangerous as what people may perceive it to be This is because there are profuse potential benefits that the public can appreciate from if only the information of nanotechnology is not being misconstrued.
knowledge absorption in academia towards creating awareness in nanotechnology The National Nanotechnology Directorate (NND) in Malaysia, which was set up recently has formed a committee to be responsible for the education and the spreading of public awareness of nanotechnology in the country However, the committee’s principal responsibilities and what their key efforts are going to be in support of this course have not been fully spelled out yet in paper and have not been unveiled to the public Therefore, as present time, it can be said that the level of nanotechnology awareness in this country is close to nil When the public is properly made aware or educated on this subject, by right there should be a positive correlation between “the knowledge of knowing what nano is” and the “successful sales of nanotechnology products in the market place
SDN BHD) Do not manufacture any type of nano products; only the sole distributor/supplier of microscopy equipment manufactured in United Kingdom, Japan, Holand, US to universities who conduct nano R&D. Provides solutions to nano users. Do not conduct nano R&D. No collaborations with universities in terms of R&D. ARCH FLASH CORP SDN BHD Only manufactures 1 type of nano product. But the registered address is occupied by another company. No product brochure and no registered address to indicate product and company existence or proof of any collaboration with partner universities. NANOAIRE SOLUTIONS They do not manufacture nano products but was a sole distributor of a nano product (before). They received the CRDF grant from MOSTI a few years ago. But the company no longer exists. Their website/telephone number also does not operate anymore. No company website. *DKSH TECHNOLOGY Does not manufacture nano products; the sole distributor for 2 nano products manufactured in UK. Does not conduct R&D or have ties with any universities in Malaysia. *NANOMALAYSIA SDN BHD Not a manufacturer/sole distributor of any nano products. Does not conduct nano R&D. Only facilitates/acts as the third party in the communication between industry and academia and other industry players in the field of nanotechnology. Set up to drive commercialization of nanotechnology. Their web site is still under construction. Nanotechnology Related Companies in Malaysia Source: Detailed study on company websites; MTDC list of CRDF Recipients; * Exhibitors at Nano Expo and Summit 2012 THEME 3: The extent of which government incentives play a role in spurring large companies’ involvement into nanotechnology CHAPTER 5: FINDINGS Visitations to these premises were conducted to check whether they physically exist
sustainability of nanotechnology with a special focus on patents and publications The patenting issue also enters the debate. Patents are a sign that innovation has taken place. If there are many patents in the country, then some of them will become commercialized Let’s say if there are 100 IPs, only 5- 10% gets into commercial production It is not merely or solely dependent on the strength and the knowledge of the research academician or the industry partnership itself; it is also reliant on the market and the cost of converting the prototype into a product First of all, these partnerships develop the expertise of the academician and for that matter, that particular university. It will provide opportunities in the sense that they train a number of students and send them off to industry. So the level of knowledge augments to a much higher level and the university and students would be able to take up more difficult challenges in the future. These are the intangible benefits that will shift the economy technologically upwards. These benefits will come The universities need to give prominence to patenting. Let’s say, the minute an academician patents an innovation, that itself should “short-circuit” 5 or 10 publications. If they don’t have a patent, then they need to come out with 5 or 10 publications. But if the universities don’t provide the same rating; then there is no incentive. It should be for instance, one patent is equivalent to 5 or 10 publications Cannot stop these processes from happening. If we stop these processes, we are stifling the creativity. The university research must tie up to solving the problem of the industry which is not state of the art The industry is not able to leverage the knowledge directly from the professors in the universities. Therefore, what they will do is the market driven research If the universities were to work alone, they will not be guided by the market needs. Therefore, this win – win situation where both parties benefit from each other’s outputs will ensure the sustainability of nanotechnology The workers need to pursue a modular concept; whereby they are trained in a diversified area of nanotechnology. From the machine operator to the packaging expert or the marketer, they have different types of knowledge and know-how’s Training From the university point of view, the partnership itself has to look at a bigger picture before approaching this issue. When academics do research on nanotechnology, it is not that they will come out with commercial product immediately. This is not logical or possible. There is a lot of spin off effect that comes out from any research program One should not forget that the university is also another type of industry – an industry that is not only for the purpose of disseminating knowledge but also for “boosting up” the number of publications. They can do both patent and publications If the university is left alone, they will explore and study the 3D or the 4D or the unlimited dimensions of the problem at hand and then the industry will distinguish how it can be applied to them The university should be able to put together a training module to suit these needs. However, not 100% need to come from university. When you develop a module of a product, it will describe the ingredients, packaging, manufacturing or costing. That way, both sides don’t compromise their integrity and P&C. Meaning both academia and industry will need to educate their workers Training
orders when we are carrying out the right steps in pursuit of getting those orders. If there is collaboration or a smart partnership between universities and industry and if everything is going well, the ties between the two parties stay as it is. If currently a corporation establishes close ties with University (A) who is proficient on a certain know how, but not that proficient in another certain know how, then it is not that they cannot see left or right. They can The university professor puts everything on the table. But the industry does not have the expertise to translate those findings into products because normally what you get from these professors are loads of data, graphs CHAPTER 5: FINDINGS THEME 9: Strategic partnerships and productivity in nanotechnology There is no reason why it should dissolve This is true unless there is an absolute justifiable basis to augment higher value to this collaboration or partnership If all is well and they are content, then, they don’t look left or right There should be continual activity together But how do you translate those data, graphs, information into something more tangible. Something that you can sell What the industry is in great need of is competency. One is hard work to make the strategic partnership continuously and productively working and other one is the knowledge encapsulated in each stakeholder within the partnership in order to benefit from each other’s contribution Each output from individual parties need to be periodically monitored. Once all this is properly entwined, that would be the right thermometer to measure whether these partnerships are actually working More effective to have market penetration when there is a pull rather than a push By viewing the industry as the off-taker, you can work in a push concept or a pull concept. If the industry identifies where exactly their need is, then the universities should work in support of these needs This finding implies that there should be less resistance rather than pushing Look, I have a nice prototype. Do you want it? Can you work on this prototype that has this particular property in it? The pull concept much preferred than the push concept Once the product has been developed to a certain level and once the product has been taken up by an SME, then generally it’s all dependent on the SME to drive it The key finding designates that strategic partnerships are achievable and will protract on condition that there is continuous and productive activity together between parties
standards in the development of a R&D policy for nanotechnology Nomenclature Generale des Activites Economiques dans I`Union Europeenne (NACE) 1,170 industries US Standard Industrial Classification System (US SIC) 1, 004 industries United Nations Standard Industrial Classification System (UN SIC) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS Canada) 358 new industries 250 of service producing industries At this point of time, nanotechnology has been found to be dispersed within various industrial sectors; given the fact that nanotechnology is currently a multi sectoral technology and has not been made a single industrial sector (not a stand-alone sector) classified under : It has been identified that 800 over nano related firms are associated to 40 NAICS codes That is why nanotechnology has not been incorporated in its key findings by statistical organizations worldwide as a specific industry. There is no industrial classification that exists for nanotechnology. What is available are only the general and standardized censuses carried out annually which adheres to the following international classification systems.
standards in the development of a R&D policy for nanotechnology Because the impetus and stimulus to synchronize under one sector has not yet surfaced. It also depends on the advisories of each country and whether they gain strongly from nanotechnology becoming a single sector In some countries, the impact is not clearly seen and realized from the well being of society and the economic industrial growth of the country. Due to this, the initiatives and efforts have been marginalized If you were to measure the amount of development of these products worldwide - there aren’t many. Therefore, there are no constructive grounds hitherto to declare it as a distinct field For instance, if a biologist invents a radical bio embedded nano product, the biologist will declare that it is a product to be assimilated into the field of biotechnology and not nano Nanotechnology still remains a hype that is yet to deliver gauging results. A lot of activity needs to take place surrounding this field. In other words, the commercialization of nanotechnology needs to thrive in order for a standalone nanotechnology sector to come into sight Nonetheless, under the International Classification System by the World International Patent Organization (WIPO), nanotechnology has been acknowledged as a field of technology converged with microstructures under the technological wing of chemistry Notwithstanding that nanotechnology does not belong to any single field (denoting that not a single science field can claim its annex on this technology); it still remains an extension of various sciences Therefore, these findings indicate that presently, the governing body need not create and enforce policies vis-à-vis it’s R&D and there is no qualified need to call for a confederacy of R&D policies and procedures concerning the multispectral nature of nanotechnology
of education. So that if you learn Chemistry for example, let’s say in the first three years of secondary education, they learn that if they add this and that, the color will change from white to blue to green. The first level by observation and they put in some simple deduction. The same thing is repeated in the fourth year of secondary education whereby the students begin to look into the complexity. For instance when copper is neighboring with sulfate, it will give a certain color. If copper is neighboring with nitrate, it will give a different color. So this is complexation chemistry. Now a student goes to university, the same thing is repeated but a different approach toward learning nanotechnology is taken, this time they will look from the perspective of quantum and hybridization. For instance, what makes copper “like” sulfate and so on It cannot be left with the university alone. They have to walk, run and jump. All this needs to be done in tandem The awareness and excitement should be built at the school level THEME 11: The extensive pool of knowledge embodiment and multidisciplinary nature of nanotechnology
for undergraduates whereby it will guide students from the Biology, Chemistry and Physics perspective. Will that be good or bad? That will definitely be bad. That is when they will know little about everything and will not be able to contribute to a single one field appropriately. But the situation varies after a student has completed his or her Masters training It cannot be left with the university alone. They have to walk, run and jump. All this needs to be done in tandem By then, they will have the maturity to pick up the knowledge effortlessly THEME 11: The extensive pool of knowledge embodiment and multidisciplinary nature of nanotechnology
multidisciplinary nature of nanotechnology This proclamation cannot be taken as absolute since the field of nanotechnology remains a frontier yet to be experimented and its educational possibilities have yet to be explored. Meaning to say, nanotechnology may possibly be not regarded as a standalone discipline but there is no evidence to suggest that it should not be regarded as a standalone university program. There is a distinction between the two. The inclusion of Mathematics and computer modeling and then the engineering side of nanotechnology That is really difficult. If one were to know Chemistry, and don’t know Physics, or know Physics, and don’t know electronic engineering. It’s all about balancing. This is possible if a student has the strong basic fundamentals related to the field of nanotechnology. Without the fundamentals, one would not be able to relate to this very complexed field of technology A student doesn’t need to know nanotechnology in a wider sense. That way, he or she will be not able to contribute to any specific topic. This is because in order to contribute to nanotechnology in a specific topic, he or she has to have very strong fundamental background in relative sciences. Meaning to say, academicians have to educate the students in relative sciences in a strong way while at the same time keeping them abreast of the possibilities of not only using his or her knowledge but expanding upon on the subject of nanotechnology For PhD, it is more focused; whereby students only dwell into a small area. But for the undergraduate degree, it is different in the sense; a student will not be able to cover everything under the sun. However, the curriculum should cover specific mainstream subjects like Biology, Chemistry and Physics and have a minor in nanotechnology After the completion of these fundamentals and a minor in nanotechnology, it is difficult to reach an assumption that a Master student would be able to drive straight into the pure concentration of nanotechnology It depends on the field and what he wants to do next. It also depends on how much of coverage that has already been done and how much he knows to carry off a complexed field like nanotechnology. In schools, students are already exposed to science subjects. And then when they enter university, a student would probably go into the Department of Physics and study Physics. You can’t go to all three (3) departments: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. That’s impossible. You can go into Physics and major in nanotechnology from a Physics perspective. If you go into Biology, you can major in nanotechnology from a Biology perspective At a Masters level, you can learn about quantum mechanics. You can learn about atomic bonding. But you can learn at a very certain depth. But if you are doing nanotechnology, you cannot learn the whole of Physics and Chemistry. So you need to focus. Maybe do nano chemistry or nano mechanics Nanotechnology cannot be regarded as a standalone discipline. It is merely an extension of all the other existing disciplines 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 No field can claim its ownership on nanotechnology for the reason that nanotechnology does not belong to any single field Furthermore, for the production of hybrid expertise in the subject of nanotechnology, the knowledge of this technology should be deeply embedded into the education system whereby it is continuous. It should not be confined within the solitaries of the university level. When it comes to the delivery of nanotechnology as a subject, the approach is rather different for all three levels whether it is for undergraduate, Master or PhD studies Can go into certain area of focuses which includes Biology, Physics, Chemistry; you can actually do those mainstream fields with a minor in nanotech How would students address something as wide and comprehensive as nanotechnology?
outs of research methodology will be able to pick up the different sciences That’s why if you observe some lecturers who are targeted to a specific field. They have the potential to switch into another field but require time to slowly adapt Even though, specialists of various sciences congregating to work on a single prototype may bring about innovations and prove to be beneficial However, if a chemist talks to a biologist, it’s a little better because it’s still physical science. Nonetheless, between biology and the physical sciences, there is a slight challenge to communicate in the same frequency Engineering, medical, dentistry, pharmaceuticals are all beneficiaries of nano. Engineers are less strong in science but they are indispensable because we still need them to engineer prototypes They need to package all the specifications into one single system. In this scenario, the science based need to communicate to the engineering base. Again there is another communication breakdown THEME 11: The extensive pool of knowledge embodiment and multidisciplinary nature of nanotechnology
which is the Light Emitting Diode (LED), if you only understand the liking of the optical but don’t understand the physical, you will not be able to engineer the device. The optical density of a medium is not the same as the physical density. So when you come to nanotechnology, you go deeper and deeper, you go into the nanometer scale whereby the behaviors and characteristics are completely different Then you may have to go into Physics and study the behavior of electrons. Then you need to go into Chemistry to learn the bonding and so on. This takes a lot of understanding of various sciences THEME 11: The extensive pool of knowledge embodiment and multidisciplinary nature of nanotechnology
glass and the back containing the plastic and rubber. But if you understand the glass and don’t understand the rubber, you will not get the whole picture Therefore, this is a solemn dilemma faced in the education of nanotechnology. It requires an amalgamation of various sciences put together to form a standalone nanotechnology program and it will be a difficult process to construct a curriculum to successfully satisfy these requirements THEME 11: The extensive pool of knowledge embodiment and multidisciplinary nature of nanotechnology
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