Donald Maclurcan has drawn on the skills and knowledge of a range of disciplines to consider the complex question of the impacts of nanotechnology. He has assembled an impressive body of evidence to show that nanotechnology as presently developed offers little hope for a more equitable world. This is a very significant conclusion, as we are often urged to believe that new technology can help the development aspirations of poor countries. The subject is important, the writing is clear and the case is compelling.

Prof. Ian Lowe - President, Australian Conservation Foundation

Donald Maclurcan’s book provides a timely discussion about the implications of the emergence of nanotechnology for the global South, in a context in which technological innovation and global social inequality have been increasing hand in hand. Maclurcan addresses the topic in a well-balanced and evidence-supported way, exploring theories, discourses, quantitative data, and scientists’ and other stakeholders’ perspectives to assess if and how nanotechnology can contribute to a more equitable world. Written in direct and simple language, this book is relevant not only for academia but also for civil society groups and the broader public.

Prof. Noela Invernizzi - Federal University of Paraná, Brazil

Nanotechnology and its impact remain a black box. Although our understanding of the social, economic, environmental, public health and ethical outcomes associated with the expanding nano-industries is growing, gaps in our understanding remain. In this book, Dr Maclurcan makes a significant contribution towards filling the void in the contemporary understanding of the social justice dimensions related to research, development and commercialisation of nanotechnology, especially for the global South. Through the presentation of rich and detailed empirical data, and grounded in theories of development and technological change, Maclurcan provides valuable insights into the relationships between new technologies and hopes for a more equitable world.

Dr Kristen Lyons - Griffith University, Australia

I am fascinated to read Dr. Maclurcan’s book Nanotechnology and Global Equality, in which a non-scientific background author is exploring the impact of “nanotechnology” (even the term is  somewhat controversial amongst scientists) on  society.

The author dedicates himself to avoiding complicated technological terms, rather using relatively straightforward indicators to outline such trends. This provides a distinctive angle for industry-wise policies rather than dealing with specific scientific issues.

The author makes excellent efforts by using public data such as publications, patents/patent applications, and investment from both the public sector and private sector to project such implications. It is an invaluable exploration of such kind in this field.

Overall, I think it is a nice book to read, for people with or without scientific background. It provides forward thinking for politicians and communities on emerging technologies, not only for “nano”, but with a “mega” picture in mind.

Dr. Xiaoda Xu

This book is the world’s first comprehensive assessment of nanotechnology’s foreseen implications for global development and provides important groundwork for subsequent research. The book places nanotechnology’s emergence within a broad historical and contemporary global context, while developing and testing an interpretive framework through which to assess nanotechnology’s claims. It establishes great clarity about the nature of global engagement with nanotechnology research and development, revealing surprising scenarios, unacknowledged by most mainstream commentators. The book concludes by exploring a range of perspectives from Thailand and Australia about nanotechnology’s foreseen implications for global inequity, thereby providing important ground for reflection.

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Policymakers; researchers in science, technology and society; philosophers of science; futurists and scientists with a wider interest in the implications of their work.