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Nanotechnology & TA in Japan

Nanotechnology in Japan and the possible contribution of technology assessment in handling its societal implications

Summary

The project, described in this report, has been conducted by the Dutch Rathenau Instituut in
collaboration with The Netherlands Office of Science and Technology, NOST, of The Netherlands Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. The aim of this project is to investigate the possible contribution TA could play in handling the recent (potential) societal implications accompanying nano S&T in Japan. These societal implications have been identified through studying the current state of the art, the opportunities and challenges of the Japanese nano-electronics, nano-materials and nano-life sciences areas. Difficulties in translating and adopting technologies and the shift from field- to issue-driven innovation have been found
to challenge innovation in these areas. In addition, problems in ensuring the safety of nano-materials for the environment and public health create uncertainties for nano-technological developments. The recent nano-life sciences advancements are thought to have various potential implications for the health care sector. Furthermore, it has been acknowledged that privacy issues arise with the recent developments in nano-electronics. Japan has been conducting various activities, like the establishment of open innovation areas and the identification of risk issues in nano-food materials, to solve these implications. These
activities are mainly focused on solving the more economically related issues for further stimulating innovation. Although risk issues are recognized, governance of these issues is recently absent due to a waiting attitude of stakeholders. Attention for other societal implications is recently limited.

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