Who should be precautionary? Governance of nanotechnology in the risk society

Abstract

This article focuses on one important ethical and political element in the development of nanotechnologies: the relevance and importance of the precautionary principle. The principle recommends political actions based upon experiences and early scientific warnings, even when there is no clear scientific evidence to prove causal links. Our chief contribution to the discussion about the precautionary principle in nanotechnologies is the development of the stakeholder approach in a governance perspective. We link our article to the theoretical and empirical discussions on risk society. In at least two ways the risk society of Ulrich Beck seems highly relevant for the precautionary principle within nanotechnologies: Precautionary actions represent one model for the society to deal with modern risks; and Beck redefined the relation between science and society. This article is based upon qualitative interviews with four groups of stakeholders in Norway: (1) non-governmental organizations—consumer, environment, health; (2) political authorities and politicians; (3) industry and businesses; and (4) the scientific community. In the present phase of the development of nanotechnologies, the responsibility for taking precautionary actions are, to a large extent, placed on the individual researcher and the scientific community. We have identified seven issues in the interviews that are pertinent for the scientific and political discourse about nanotechnologies.

Keywords:

• risk society
• precautionary principle
• stakeholders
• governance
• empirical dimensions
• technology optimism
• nanoproducts

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant from the NANOMAT programme in the Research Council of Norway (Project number 171842/S10). It was a collaborative project between the National Institute for Consumer Reserch (SIFO) and DNV Research. The contribution of Fabrice Lapique from DNV Research is gratefully acknowledged (current address: Fabrice Lapique, SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, Department of Synthesis and Properties, Forskningsvn.1, 0314 Oslo, Norway).

Notes

1. He later acknowledged that nanoscale manufacturing does not require self-replicating devices.

2. In the NGO sector we turned to two environmental organizations, the Consumer Council, The Norwegian Cancer Society, and two representatives from a labour union. Among politicians we have talked to members of the Norwegian Parliament representing The Standing Committee on Business and Industry, Energy and the Environment, Health and Care services; in addition we have interviewed one in the regulatory part of the government, and one from the political administration in the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Representing the researchers, we interviewed two from the material side, one from health research and two from the Norwegian Research Council. From the business side we have met one representative from the Federation of Norwegian Industries, two manufacturers (materials and surfaces) and one independent consultant.

3. Here they refer to a first ruling by the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning nanoparticles: manufacturers who wishes to use nano-sized particles of silver in products and market them as antimicrobial will have to prove they will not harm the environment.