Nanotechnologies for Tomorrow’s Society: A Case for Reflective Action Research in Flanders, Belgium

摘要: Policy makers involved in innovation policy and scientists working on newly emerging technologies such as nanotechnologies, are confronted with three considerable challenges: a lack of distinct indicating directions possible applications (strategic uncertainty), scientific knowledge (complexity) the ambiguous reception new developments society. In this climate uncertainty ambiguity it is by no means clear for actors how to innovate purposefully constructively. response problems difficulties, Flemish interdisciplinary research project 'Nanotechnologies Tomorrow's Society' (NanoSoc) engages networks where each actor contributes his (incomplete) views perspectives confronts them those others. The brings together nanotechnologists, natural social scientists, stakeholders, citizens region Flanders, Belgium, discuss steer future nanotech particular fields nanotechnology development: smart environment, bio chip, materials. This article first discusses main challenges innovating successfully then elaborate NanoSoc seeks effectively address these issues through reflective action research.