Risk Analysis and Technology Assessment in Support of Technology Development: Putting Responsible Innovation in Practice in a Case Study for Nanotechnology

摘要

Governments invest in “key enabling technologies,” such as nanotechnology, to solve societal challenges and boost therneconomy. At the same time, governmental agencies demand risk reduction to prohibit any often unknown adverse effects, andrnindustrial parties demand smart approaches to reduce uncertainties. Responsible research and innovation (RRI) is therefore arncentral theme in policy making. Risk analysis and technology assessment, together referred to as “RATA,” can provide a basis tornassess human, environmental, and societal risks of new technological developments during the various stages of technologicalrndevelopment. This assessment can help both governmental authorities and innovative industry tomove forward in a sustainablernmanner. Here we describe the developed procedures and products and our experiences to bring RATA in practice within a largernDutch nanotechnology consortium. This is an example of how to put responsible innovation in practice as an integrated part of arnresearch program, how to increase awareness of RATA, and how to help technology developers perform and use RATA. IntegrrnEnvironAssessManag 2018;14:9–16. 2017 TheAuthors. Integrated EnvironmentalAssessment and Management published byrnWiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)