Widening the Circle of Nano Research: A Case for Reflective Action Research in Flemish Society

摘要: Drawing on the hard lessons learned from the public controversy over genetically modified crops, policy makers as well as scientists and technologists have begun to recognize the need to engage wider audiences in technology innovation. While this upstreaming of public involvement is by no means a new idea, it is increasingly being called for in social democracies seeking to address the societal implications of nanotechnologies. One case in point is the highly industrialized region of Flanders, Belgium. Its government is funding a research project entitled “Nanotechnologies For Tomorrow’s Society”, which the authors coordinate. The endeavor brings together scientists, stakeholders, and interested citizens in an effort to collectively construct sustainable nanotechnology trajectories. As this entails more than merely assessing possible technology impacts, an open, experimental model of social science research with respect for the undetermined nature of nanotechnology, is set forth. Its key aim is to discover and reflect on the motivations and considerations of nano-researchers, as well as to openly debate the economic and social driving forces that shape the technology in the Flemish region. Identifying and systematically calling into question these underlying incentives with all participants, is the central feature of the research method. It is, we argue, crucial to move the debate upstream, as not only does it reveal which nanotechnology trajectories are in the making, but also suggests how they could effectively be adjusted or altered to better fit society’s needs. In this article we outline the Technology Assessment framework that underlies our …