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Review
. 2023;43(1):3-15.
doi: 10.1007/s10669-022-09870-2. Epub 2022 Jul 24.

(Re)Conceptualizing decision-making tools in a risk governance framework for emerging technologies-the case of nanomaterials

Martin Mullins  1   2 , Martin Himly  3 , Isabel Rodríguez Llopis  4 , Irini Furxhi  1   2 , Sabine Hofer  3 , Norbert Hofstätter  3 , Peter Wick  5 , Daina Romeo  5 , Dana Küehnel  6 , Kirsi Siivola  7 , Julia Catalán  7   8 , Kerstin Hund-Rinke  9 , Ioannis Xiarchos  10 , Shona Linehan  11 , Daan Schuurbiers  12 , Amaia García Bilbao  4 , Leire Barruetabeña  4 , Damjana Drobne  13
Affiliations
Review

(Re)Conceptualizing decision-making tools in a risk governance framework for emerging technologies-the case of nanomaterials

Martin Mullins et al. Environ Syst Decis. 2023.

Abstract

The utility of decision-making tools for the risk governance of nanotechnology is at the core of this paper. Those working in nanotechnology risk management have been prolific in creating such tools, many derived from European FP7 and H2020-funded projects. What is less clear is how such tools might assist the overarching ambition of creating a fair system of risk governance. In this paper, we reflect upon the role that tools might and should play in any system of risk governance. With many tools designed for the risk governance of this emerging technology falling into disuse, this paper provides an overview of extant tools and addresses their potential shortcomings. We also posit the need for a data readiness tool. With the EUs NMP13 family of research consortia about to report to the Commission on ways forward in terms of risk governance of this domain, this is a timely intervention on an important element of any risk governance system.

Keywords: Data quality; Decision-making tools; Nanotechnology; Risk assessment; Risk governance; Risk management.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests.Conflict of interestNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The RG process displaying important elements discussed in the latter part of this perspective article. “Risk Governance” sits at the apex of the triangle functions both a framing concept and an actual set of practices. NRGF denotes nanotechnology risk governance framework and is a key output of the Nanorigo project
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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