ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the situation of nanotechnology governance in Mexico and Latin America regarding the role, interests, actions and contradictions of governmental, business and scientific spheres. As recognized in contemporary history, there are three key elements for a successful development of science and technology (S&T) aimed to industrialize any given country, to promote its economic growth and increase its competitiveness: the Nation state; the national economic units or business community; and the S&T research entities. Nanotechnology has recently arrived with a burgeoning future prospect. Its potential covers fields from new materials useful for textiles, packaging, food or transportation industries; nanodevices and nanomaterials for sophisticated medical procedures and treatments, all the way to more effective security and military innovations. Environmental, ethical and societal aspects of nanotechnology have been deliberated in the international context by governments, scientists and businessmen, mainly from the US and Europe.
