Scenarios

With so many unknowns it is difficult to have a meaningful discussion about the future of nanotechnology. Therefore the Nanologue project team developed three contrasting plausible, realistic and coherent scenarios of Nanotechnology development in Europe based on findings from previous project phases.

The scenarios aim at establishing a deeper understanding on the societal benefits and risks of NT-applications in the view of civil society representatives and researchers. By showing plausible futures and rationalising the diversity of opinions presented during interviews and stakeholder workshops they may inspire longterm policy development. The scenarios are explicitly not predictive, but should be used as a qualitative planning and communication tool.

Considering key areas of uncertainty they reflect combinations of the desirable and less desirable outcomes - that will be a feature of most future trends.

Written from the perspective of a researcher in 2015 examining the current state of nanotechnology, the scenarios point out what the key concerns are and the pathway that led to this point.

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.

Read on

Nanologue: Scenarios: The future of nanotechnology. We need to talk.

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