Ten lessons for a nanodialogue

The Dutch government wishes to stimulate the social debate about nanotechnology. That is no simple undertaking as the impact of nanotechnology will be felt in many diverse areas. The debate must therefore consider both new and re-emerging issues. Moreover, it is far from clear how the NGOs and the general public can be fully involved in such a broad topic as nanotechnology.

The Rathenau Institute has therefore examined how the debate about nanotechnology has developed thus far. There appear to be ten lessons to be learned with regard to the role which the government can adopt in furthering the dialogue.