The main idea behind this Support action is to develop a platform for deliberative processes on Nano-science and Nano-technology (NS&T) in the European consumer market. Nanotechnology products are now reaching the consumer markets within a large number of branches. As of August 2008, the nanotechnology product inventory has grown by nearly 279% (from 212 to 803 products) since it was released in March 2006. Personal care, clothing and cosmetics products top the inventory at 153, 126 and 115 products, respectively.
The positive visions for nano-sciences and – technology are apparently without limits. This is especially the case within medicine and bio-nanotechnology, but similar visions are also found for energy, ICT and materials for the consumer industry. According to these visions nanotechnology will have a qualitative innovative influence on the production processes, energy and material use, information and communication systems and – after a while – a substantial influence on the everyday life of individual consumers and households. We might get cheaper, stronger, lighter products, which means that in contrast to the previous history of technology, nanotechnology might combine economic growth with a reduced consumption of materials (COM 2004: p. 38)
At the same time we can observe scepticism along two dimensions. The first dimension is linked to the lack of knowledge regarding both environmental and health risks of the new nanotechnology materials. Secondly, nanotechnology also raises more fundamental questions on the relationship between man and nature; and ethical, political and even religious dilemmas are put on the public agenda.
We will concentrate on deliberative processes concerning human and environmental safety, ethical and moral dilemmas, and perceptions of risks and responsibilities as revealed through a focus on the market interfaces across the value chain of goods and services. That is, at the points of intersection between the sphere of production on the one hand and consumers on the other, where we believe research on the ethical, legal and social aspects (ELSA) of nanosciences and nanotechnology has to date been neglected. We will argue for the importance and relevance of this perspective within the development of deliberate democracy in Europe. This is a support action, with the main goal to stimulate the deliberate dialogue in Europe and beyond, and give scientific support to the stakeholders responsible for this dialogue. Thus, we have formulated our objectives in the following way:
* Evaluate selected deliberative processes in Europe, both at the EU and national level. These evaluations will both have a general NS&T perspective, but will concentrate on the value chain of consumer goods and services.
* Identify the needs and interest of relevant stakeholders along this value chain, especially focusing on producers, consumers, NGOs and the civil society.
* Develop a deliberative and science based platform for a stakeholder dialogue in Europe and beyond in this area. The main elements of the platform are:
o a) the content,
o b) the participants,
o c) the physical and technical solutions and arenas and - at last
o d) the responsibility for a permanent platform.
* Formulate Recommendation for research and political actions.
The work packages of the project will more or less mirror this structure. We will combine desk research, qualitative interviews and workshops to meet the challenges of these objectives, where the main task is to develop and sustain a deliberative platform.