Platform for responsible development of nanotechnology
Appraising the risks arising from nanotechnology requires a new, multidimensional approach in order to provide a clear understanding of the factors involved and to facilitate debate among stakeholders. This challenge has been addressed by the Framingnano project, which is developing a governance model based on social, political and technical criteria. The resulting Framingnano Governance Platform (GP) can provide guidance on regulation and control, stakeholder engagement and other important issues. Project partners are creating a website and a newsletter dedicated to issues concerning the responsible development of NS&T. Other outputs include a report on NS&T regulation and governance, a survey identifying EU stakeholders and a series of consultations and workshops. The website, newsletters and workshops can be used to disseminate the governance plan and to determine the reactions and opinions of stakeholders. The proposed governance model is based on a permanent panel of experts representing stakeholders and a decision-making body. Consisting of representatives from institutions and competent authorities, they deal with regulatory issues in the different fields affected by NS&T. The model has been shown to provide an effective approach in dealing with the issues arising from NS&T research. Different EU Member States can adapt the model according their own cultural, legal and regulatory needs. Framingnano is using an inclusive approach to promote multi-stakeholder dialogue on the subject of NS&T. The resulting platform is proving to be highly successful for tackling the complex current and future challenges facing NS&T governance. The governance model developed by Framingnano will also help to provide a valuable driver for economic growth for EU and benefit society as a whole.
