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RESPONSIBLE
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
The Frontiers Network
of Excellence in collaboration with the Technology Assessment
Programme of NanoNed and MESA+
Institute of Nanotechnology are hosting a 1-day workshop exploring
the increasing emphasis of Responsible Research and Innovation
in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
The
situation
There is increasing scrutiny (and pressure) to explore ways of
managing the development of new technologies with a view to both
environmental and health risks as well as more broad societal
effects. Moreover, there is pressure to do so at all stages of
the innovation process (pressure of responsible research in laboratories,
manufacturing legislature on nanoparticles, corporate social responsibility
in industry etc.)
With current explorations of means of achieving a responsible
approach to nanotechnology (EU Action Plan & EU Open Consultation),
principles for the oversight of nanotechnology 2007 (Greenpeace,
Friends of the Earth and others) and codes of conduct (European
Nanotechnology Trade Alliance, Du Pont, the Nano Industries Association
and others) it is time to take stock and look deeper into the
notion of responsible research and development along the innovation
chain.
The objective of this meeting is to explore and develop
possible elements of a "Best Nano Practice" at each
stage of the innovation chain (from laboratory to society)
in anticipation of the increased emphasis on Responsible Research
and Innovation. This increased emphasis can be seen in government
funding programmes, the move towards corporate and social responsibility
and pressures from other non-governmental actors such as NGOs
and re-insurance groups.
The workshop will be divide in two parts, the former focussing
on articulating what are key elements in a "Best Nano Practice"
exploring issues of technology research, development and embedment
into society. The second part will focus on suggestions of implementation
and attribution of such nano practices in research, corporate
sphere and in more formal regulation processes.
The format will take the form of a 1-day workshop augmented
by pre-circulated case studies and scenarios and will draw on
representatives from research, industry, regulatory bodies, trade
union representatives and NGOs to explore and develop suggestions
for, and implementation of, a "Best Nano Practice".
For
more details see menu at the top of this page.
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