Innovative and responsible governance of nanotechnology for societal development

Mihail C. Roco, Barbara Harthorn, David Guston, Philip Shapira
2011 Journal of nanoparticle research  
Governance of nanotechnology is essential for realizing economic growth and other societal benefits of the new technology, protecting public health and environment, and supporting global collaboration and progress. The article outlines governance principles and methods specific for this emerging field. Advances in the last 10 years, the current status and a vision for the next decade are presented based on an international study with input from over 35 countries. Vision for the next decade
more » ... es in the vision over the last 10 years Nanotechnology has been defined as "a multidisciplinary field in support of a broad-based technology to reach mass use by 2020, offering a new approach for education, innovation, learning, and governance" (Roco et al. 1999) . The governance of nanotechnology development for societal benefit is a challenge with many facets ranging from fostering research and innovation to addressing ethical concerns and long-term human development aspects. The U.S. nanotechnology governance approach has aimed to be "transformational, responsible, and inclusive, and [to] allow visionary development" (Roco 2008). Both domestically and globally, the approach to nanotechnology governance has evolved considerably in the last 10 years: • The viability and societal importance of nanotechnology applications has been confirmed, while extreme predictions, both pro and con, have receded. National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) ELSI Portal http://www.nnin.org/nnin_edu.html ICON (especially the Good Wiki project), Rice University http://icon.rice.edu/about.cfm J Nanopart Res Intuitive Toxicology and Public Engagement (NIRT) North Carolina State University Data base and innovation timeline for nanotechnology University of California Los Angeles Social and ethical dimensions of nanotechnology University of Virginia Undergraduate Exploration of Nanoscience, Applications and Societal Implications (NUE) Michigan Technological University Ethics and belief inside the development of nanotechnology (CAREER) University of Virginia All NNIN and NCN centers have societal implications components All 28 NSF nanotechnology centers and networks
doi:10.1007/s11051-011-0454-4 fatcat:ptzgt73jlvb63brfoyv6qd755y