This study examines the role of the university in the domain of nanotechnology research
and training using the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) as a case study. It focused
on the Faculties of Science and Engineering, given their involvement in the field. It is
essentially a qualitative study based on documentary analysis and semi-structured
interviews with academic staff members. It shows how the University of Witwatersrand
has responded to the South African National Nanotechnology Strategy set by the South
African government to enhance the country’s global competitiveness and sustainable
economic growth in strategic areas. The study reveals that Wits has selectively by firmly
engaged in the domain of nanotechnology and has laid the foundations for a
comprehensive programme in both research and training. However, its success in this
direction will largely depend upon the ways it maximises the use of the increasing
opportunities offered by globalization and it manages the constraints associated with it.
By opportunities here I refer to the multiplicity of research sites outside the narrow
academic domain and the increasing interest displayed by government, the private sector
and relevant international agencies in the field. The constraints are connected to the fact
that the field of nanotechnology remains incipient and suffers from the uncertainties
surrounding a relatively young field of enquiry in universities in South Africa (financial
shortages, lack of skills etc).
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/5893 |
| Date | 19 December 2008 |
| Creators | Iyuke, Patience Odiri |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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