The Essential Elements of a Risk Governance Framework for Current and Future Nanotechnologies

Vicki Stone, Martin Führ, Peter H. Feindt, Hans Bouwmeester, Igor Linkov, Stefania Sabella, Finbarr Murphy, Kilian Bizer, Lang Tran, Marlene Ågerstrand, Carlos Fito, Torben Andersen, Diana Anderson, Enrico Bergamaschi, John W. Cherrie, Sue Cowan, Jean Francois Dalemcourt, Michael Faure, Silke Gabbert, Agnieszka GajewiczTeresa F. Fernandes, Danail Hristozov, Helinor J. Johnston, Terry C. Lansdown, Stefan Linder, Hans J.P. Marvin, Martin Mullins, Kai Purnhagen, Tomasz Puzyn, Araceli Sanchez Jimenez, Janeck J. Scott-Fordsmand, George Streftaris, Martie van Tongeren, Nicolas H. Voelcker, George Voyiatzis, Spyros N. Yannopoulos, P. Marijn Poortvliet*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Societies worldwide are investing considerable resources into the safe development and use of nanomaterials. Although each of these protective efforts is crucial for governing the risks of nanomaterials, they are insufficient in isolation. What is missing is a more integrative governance approach that goes beyond legislation. Development of this approach must be evidence based and involve key stakeholders to ensure acceptance by end users. The challenge is to develop a framework that coordinates the variety of actors involved in nanotechnology and civil society to facilitate consideration of the complex issues that occur in this rapidly evolving research and development area. Here, we propose three sets of essential elements required to generate an effective risk governance framework for nanomaterials. (1) Advanced tools to facilitate risk-based decision making, including an assessment of the needs of users regarding risk assessment, mitigation, and transfer. (2) An integrated model of predicted human behavior and decision making concerning nanomaterial risks. (3) Legal and other (nano-specific and general) regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and to stimulate proactive approaches to safety. The implementation of such an approach should facilitate and motivate good practice for the various stakeholders to allow the safe and sustainable future development of nanotechnology.

Original languageEnglish
JournalRisk Analysis
Early online date14 Dec 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Decision making
  • Nano-regulation
  • Risk communication
  • Risk governance
  • Risk management

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