Work

Not again! Public perception, regulation, and nanotechnology

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: It is often argued that immediate government action regarding nanotechnology is needed to ensure that public opinion does not mistakenly view nanotechnology as dangerous, to restore public trust in government, and to increase the legitimacy of government action through increased public participation. This article questions whether governments can achieve these goals. As the world lurches toward regulation of nanotechnology, we should ask Why the rush? Can anticipatory action, perceived as the government doing something, fulfill the competing hopes to “restore trust,”“pave the way” for nanotechnology, “increase awareness,” and “satisfy democratic notions of accountability”? Or is government action more likely to increase existing divisions over nanotechnology's future?

Source: Regulation & Governance

DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5991.2009.01049.x

Authors: Douglas J. Sylvester, Kenneth W. Abbott, Gary E. Marchant

Institution: Arizona State University

Language: English

Topic: Nanotechnology research and applications

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: U.S. Department of Energy