The Social and Economic Challenges of Nanotechnology

Abstract

A recent study at the University of Sheffield (UK) investigates the social and economic challenges of nanotechnology. In the project, social and natural scientists worked together to provide a careful assessment of the emerging new science of nanotechnology. In addition, the role social science can play in nanotechnology's development is discussed. Nanotechnology is seen as an opportunity to investigate broader themes, such as an evaluation of the drivers behind the technology development process and how society deals with risks under uncertainty.