nanologue report
Few subjects stimulate the imagination like nanotechnology, so much even that one tends to forget about the many amazing things being developed within labs right now. Like the very large, the very small stretches the mind (cf. Eric Drexler‘s envisionings).
The EU Nanologue project – one of many projects focussing on public debate concerning new technologies – recently published its report titled ‘The future of nanotechnology – we need to talk’. The project stands for a Europe-wide dialogue on the social, ethical and legal impacts of nanotechnology, and also included a scenario-study resulting in three scenarios (time horizon 2015), i.e.:
“Scenario 1: Disaster recovery
A lack of regulation resulted in a major accident. Public concern about nanotechnology is high and technology development is slow and catious.
Scenario 2: Now we´re talking
Strong regulation and accountability systems are in place. The technology has been shaped by societal needs and strong health and safety concerns.
Scenario 3: Powering ahead
Scientific progress has been faster than expected and nanotechnology is making a real impact, particularly in energy conversion and storage.”
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