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Why talk about nanotechnologies?
“While technology shapes the future, it is people who shape technology, and decide what it can and should be used for” (Kofi Annan)
The field of nanotechnologies has attracted widespread attention and funding in recent years. Some applications have already entered the market, and applications based on today’s basic research are expected by many to form the next industrial revolution. The unique properties of nano-technological applications suggest potential to solve some of the worlds most pressing challenges, but they come with uncertainties and risks as all new technologies. Taking advantage of technological progress and preventing adverse side-effects requires analysis, evaluation and guidance to ensure technology is developed in ways that benefits wider society and the planet.
Nanologue was a dialogue on nanotechnologies funded by the European Commission bringing together a wide range of technological experts and civil society representatives. The dialogue was driven by the need to understand ethical, legal and social implications of nanotechnologies – and communicate this understanding by raising awareness and providing information to societal actors.
Learn about opportunities and threats
There is very little knowledge in wider European society about what nanotechnologies are and what impact they might have on how we live. Many experts acknowledge that uncertainties prevail about this. Innovative technologies based on multidisciplinary research provide an abundance of potential applications. While advocates preach a revolution, e.g. in chemical production methods, medicine, material science and energy systems, critics warn about unknown side-effects, e.g. allergies, and deliberate misuse of the technological solutions developed.
The dialogue processes in Nanologue provided a neutral platform to gather recent knowledge and evidence about the multiplicity of potential impacts associated with selected nanotechnologies. Using scenario-building techniques, these findings were assessed and translated into images comprehensible to the wider public and apt for communication.
Spread information and raise awareness
Different societal groups have different information needs and perspectives regarding ethical, legal and social aspects of nanotechnologies. By addressing these positions, Nanologue helped to spread information and raise awareness on the implications of nanotechnologies in the following relevant societal groups:
Scientists, students and product developers with a technical background possess the knowledge about the technologies they are working on, but seldom address ethical, legal or social implications. Nanologue promoted awareness of these implications among scientists, students and product developers working in this area, both through actively integrating them into dialogue processes and communicating the project outcomes.
The online quick-checker NanoMeter was developed on the basis of key project outcomes and tackles this group.
Businesses are starting to commercialise of nanotech-based products. Experience in the development of bio-technologies has shown how the failure to adequately consider relevant ethical, legal and social issues can lead to long-term consequences on public trust and the public perception of those technologies. Nanologue provided a neutral platform to proactively engage with the public on the implications of nanotechnologies, get to know and address public concerns relating to them and provide internal knowledge into the public debate.
The online quick-checker NanoMeter was developed on the basis of key product outcomes and tackles this group.
Civil society actors lack information on and awareness of the basic properties, and sometimes even the existence, of nanotechnologies and the implications linked to them. However, a generally sceptical attitude among civil society groups prevails towards new technologies. The general lack of public knowledge has allowed unsubstantiated science fiction-visions to enter main-stream media. Public debates lacking a sound factual base are likely to get irrational and come to erroneous, potentially harmful, results. If concerns from societal action do not get listened to, insights on complex interdependencies get lost and hidden risks persist. Nanologue provided a neutral information platform allowing for a dialogue based on solid facts and the deliberate consideration of concerns and critique.
Media workshops communicated key project results to this target group.
Policy bodies are challenged by nanotechnologies as by all rapid technological and sociological developments. A ‘window of opportunity’ exists to shape nanotech research and applications through policy decisions. But information for policy makers and awareness of implications of nanotechnologies is needed. Regulation specifically dedicated to nanotechnologies does not exist so far. Insights from Nanologue can serve as valuable input into the discussion, whether specific nanotechnology regulation is needed or advisable and its potential relationship to the existing regulatory framework in the light of ethical, legal and social aspects.
An information brochure listing key results and policy implications was distributed.
Nanologue scenarios published
'The Future of Nanotechnology - We need to talk' describes three scenarios contrasting developments of Nanotechnology in Europe by 2015.
NanoMeter online
The NanoMeter, a web-based tool to carry out a brief societal assessment of nanotechnological applications, is now available online.
Results of 'Opinion' phase
'Results from a Consultation with Representatives from Research, Business and Civil Society' is online
Open Space
Discuss your vision of nanotechnology with us on Oct 7th at the Deutsches Museum, Munich
Results of 'Mapping' phase
The Nanologue Mapping Study and the Nanologue Background Paper are available for download now.
What are nanotechnologies?
Nanologue has issued a document on its understanding of nanotechnologies.
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