Argentina and the European Union have signed a bilateral cooperation agreement to strengthen competitiveness and innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the health sector, electronics, metalworking, and agrifood, with the incorporation of nanotechnology in the development of products, processes or services. The agreement involves joint funding of US$27.9 million. According to Agueda Menvielle, the national director of International Relations for the Argentina Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the agreement seeks to create a “technology platform similar to the European platforms to achieve greater coordination between the public, the scientific and technological system and the private sector.” Menvielle added, “Assistance will be provided to R & D and universities to improve transfer mechanisms and linking scientific system with the private sector. In this sense, will build on existing experience in the European Union.” The agreement will include a training program for entrepreneurs and SMEs in technical innovation and strategic issues related to nanotechnologies. Eighteen universities and 17 national laboratories and R&D centers will be involved in the initiative.
http://www.scidev.net/en/new-technologies/argentina-to-spur-nanotechnology-efforts-with-eu-help-.html