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The Essential Elements of a Risk Governance Framework for Current and Future Nanotechnologies
Author(s) -
Stone Vicki,
Führ Martin,
Feindt Peter H.,
Bouwmeester Hans,
Linkov Igor,
Sabella Stefania,
Murphy Finbarr,
Bizer Kilian,
Tran Lang,
Ågerstrand Marlene,
Fito Carlos,
Andersen Torben,
Anderson Diana,
Bergamaschi Enrico,
Cherrie John W.,
Cowan Sue,
Dalemcourt JeanFrancois,
Faure Michael,
Gabbert Silke,
Gajewicz Agnieszka,
Fernandes Teresa F.,
Hristozov Danail,
Johnston Helinor J.,
Lansdown Terry C.,
Linder Stefan,
Marvin Hans J. P.,
Mullins Martin,
Purnhagen Kai,
Puzyn Tomasz,
Sanchez Jimenez Araceli,
ScottFordsmand Janeck J.,
Streftaris George,
Tongeren Martie,
Voelcker Nicolas H.,
Voyiatzis George,
Yannopoulos Spyros N.,
Poortvliet P. Marijn
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
risk analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.972
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1539-6924
pISSN - 0272-4332
DOI - 10.1111/risa.12954
Subject(s) - risk analysis (engineering) , corporate governance , variety (cybernetics) , risk governance , legislation , risk management , business , management science , process management , computer science , engineering , political science , finance , artificial intelligence , law
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.