Abstract

Application of nanotechnology opens vast opportunities for increasing the competitiveness of the national
agroindustries. In this study, five agroindustries that potentially applied nanotechnology were reviewed and
analyzed by using a SWOT-AHP (strength, weakness, opportunity, threat, and analysis hierarchy process) to
determine the position of the competitiveness of each industry. Criteria were analyzed based on internal factors
that have the potential to be the strengths and weaknesses, and external factors into opportunities and threats.
The survey was conducted involving 10 experts engaged in the field of nanotechnology, food, agriculture and
policy. Further data were processed using Superdecisions Software Version 2.0.8. Results showed that internal
criteria were dominated by the factors of technology and availability of raw materials and energy and provided a
significant competitive value (0.67) compared with external criteria (0.33), which were dominated by the factors
that create significant economic impact (such as increase in value-added products and a broaden market scope).
Development of nanotechnology, which is directed to industrial food, herbal medicine, and fertilizer, is highly
prospective for supporting the national program of food security and health as detailed in the National Research
Agenda. Competitiveness position value for each industry shifted when independent variables used in the
analysis of quantitative SWOT was replaced with dependent variables used in the SWOT-AHP. The result of this
study can be used as a reference for the stakeholders for strategic decision making in relation to improving the
competitiveness of national agroindustry through the development of nanotechnology.

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