Hodge, Graeme A.; Bowman, Diana M.; Maynard, Andrew D. --- "Introduction: The Regulatory Challenges for Nanotechnologies" [2010] ELECD 709; in Hodge, A. Graeme; Bowman, M. Diana; Maynard, D. Andrew (eds), "International Handbook on Regulating Nanotechnologies" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2010)

Book Title: International Handbook on Regulating Nanotechnologies

Editor(s): Hodge, A. Graeme; Bowman, M. Diana; Maynard, D. Andrew

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781848446731

Section: Chapter 1

Section Title: Introduction: The Regulatory Challenges for Nanotechnologies

Author(s): Hodge, Graeme A.; Bowman, Diana M.; Maynard, Andrew D.

Number of pages: 22

Extract:

1 Introduction: the regulatory challenges
for nanotechnologies
Graeme A. Hodge, Diana M. Bowman and
Andrew D. Maynard


1.1 INTRODUCTION

The past two decades have seen much debate about nanotechnologies. We
have also been busy contemplating the regulatory implications of such
new scientific frontiers. Indeed, we appear to have made real progress in
these regulatory discussions as conversations have become progressively
more professionalized, more careful and more rational. Or so some people
assume.
Yet underneath this veneer remains a real paradox. Despite its ubiq-
uity and the undoubted importance of nanotechnology over the coming
decades, the `nanotechnology phenomenon' is itself an enigma. Its defini-
tion, meaning and historical origins1 continue to be the subject of contest,
so that the degree to which it is really a `new' scientific frontier requiring
fresh thinking remains unclear. Indeed, amid calls for renewed `upstream'
policy dialogue, greater public engagement and stronger regulation, we
are still debating the degree to which nanotechnologies are new, or are
merely a re-badging exercise. And amid calls for governments to step
in and guard against the inherent risks of new technologies, we are still
debating the degree to which such responsibility should be borne by
industry, government and the community.
Moreover, in times of increased global economic uncertainty, the
point at which the optimum balance is achieved in progressing forward
and maximizing economic growth and sustainability while showing suf-
ficient precaution remains as elusive as ever. So, are we on the verge of a
revolutionary nanotechnologies platform? Or ...