Societal aspects of nanotechnology: Ecological sustainability and social robustness
THE PROBLEMThe capacity of modern society to manage existing and future environmental problems is strongly linked to the development of new technology. This is true at least for modern knowledge and technology intensive societies. Technological solutions, however, rely on organising activities. Social, technological and natural systems interact and must be studied in parallel. The making of new innovation systems needs to acknowledge this interdependency. This seems to be particularly important for nanotechnology. Nanotechnology, which emerged from an increased miniaturisation of microelectronics and microtechnology, is subject for national political and policy mobilisation, in research, development and innovation. It is a technology surrounded by high expectations on future economic value and reduction of environmental impacts in virtually all sectors of society. Not only benefits but also risks is acknowledged. The managing of systems of innovation in nanotechnology need to be related to the existing and future environmental systems, in which this technology intervenes. Nanotechnology is a so-called generic technology, for which this task is both important and complicated.HOW CAN THE PROJECT CONTRIBUTE TO A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM?The aim is to increase our understanding of the innovation dynamics of nanotechnology and the environmental systems that this technology relate to. Both knowledge areas are truly novel. They are studied, first separately, through sociology of innovation perspectives, and through environmental systems analysis, and finally, integrated, by combining the analysis of social systems, socio-technical systems, and environmental systems.WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RESULTS?Research policy and innovation policy actors responsible for publicly funded activities in the area of nanotechnology. These include most of the large research funding actors in the Swedish system. Governmental agencies that have areas of responsibility that is or will be effected by a Swedish nanotechnology development. Commercial actors who need to better understand the strengths and weaknesses in the Swedish innovation system for nanotechnology.
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