Risk analysis and technology assessment in support of technology development; putting responsible innovation in practice in a case study for nanotechnology

“Governments invest in ‘key enabling technologies’ such as nanotechnology, to solve societal challenges and boost the economy. At the same time governmental agencies demand for risk reduction to prohibit any often unknown adverse effects, and industrial parties demand for smart approaches to reduce uncertainties. Responsible research and innovation (RRI) is therefore a central theme in policy-making. Risk Analysis and Technology Assessment, together referred to as RATA, can provide a basis to assess human, environmental and societal risks of new technological developments during the various stages of technological development. This can help both governmental authorities and innovative industry to move forward in a sustainable manner. Here we describe the developed procedures and products and our experiences to bring RATA in practice within a large Dutch nanotechnology consortium. This is an example of putting responsible innovation in practice as integrated part of a research program, and to increase awareness on RATA and how to perform and use this by technology developers.”

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(Citaat: van Wezel, A.P., van lente, H., van de Sandt, J.J.M., et al. – Risk analysis and technology assessment in support of technology development; putting responsible innovation in practice in a case study for nanotechnology – Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management 14(2018)1, p.9-16 – DOI 10.1002/ieam.1989 – Open Access)