Ebook: Nanotechnologies, Hazards and Resource Efficiency: A Three-Tiered Approach to Assessing the Implications of Nanotechnology and Influencing its Development
- Tags: Nanotechnology, Manufacturing Machines Tools, Environment general, Technology Management, Economic Policy, Political Science
- Year: 2007
- Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
- Edition: 1
- Language: English
- pdf
Nanotechnology is frequently described as an enabling technology and 1 fundamental innovation, i.e. it is expected to lead to numerous innovative developments in the most diverse fields of technology and areas of app- cation in society and the marketplace. The technology, it is believed, has the potential for far-reaching changes that will eventually affect all areas of life. Such changes will doubtlessly have strong repercussions for society and the environment and bring with them not only the desired and intended effects such as innovations in the form of improvements to products, pr- esses and materials; economic growth; new jobs for skilled workers; relief for the environment; and further steps toward sustainable business, but also unexpected and undesirable side effects and consequences. With respect to the time spans in which nanotechnology’s full potential 2 will presumably unfold, M. C. Roco (2002:5) identified the following stages or generations for industrial prototypes and their commercial expl- tation: Past and present: The “coincidental” use of nanotechnology. Carbon black, for example, has been in use for centuries; more specific, isolated applications (catalysts, composites, etc.) have been in use since the early nineties. First generation: Passive nanostructures (ca. 2001). Application p- ticularly in the areas of coatings, nanoparticles, bulk materials (nan- tructured metals, polymers, and ceramics). Second generation: Active nanostructures (ca. 2005). Fields of appli- tion: particularly in transistors, reinforcing agents, adaptive structures, etc.
Taking as its subject matter one aspect of the hugely important subject of nanotechnology, this book demonstrates that the application of nanotechnology in industry can result in increased eco-efficiency and other environmental gains.
It also shows what needs to be done from the point of view of scientists, engineers and science policy makers to guide future development in nanotechnology towards sustainability.
The underlying method here has been a three-tier approach to prospective technology assessment.
With benefits that are hugely practical, the authors provide examples to illustrate their approach, along with dozens of illustrations. The positive effects of nanotechnology are illustrated with four case studies.
One additional case study deals with possible risks and negative effects of nanotechnology.
In the last section, the role of guiding principles in future nanotechnology research and development is discussed.
Taking as its subject matter one aspect of the hugely important subject of nanotechnology, this book demonstrates that the application of nanotechnology in industry can result in increased eco-efficiency and other environmental gains.
It also shows what needs to be done from the point of view of scientists, engineers and science policy makers to guide future development in nanotechnology towards sustainability.
The underlying method here has been a three-tier approach to prospective technology assessment.
With benefits that are hugely practical, the authors provide examples to illustrate their approach, along with dozens of illustrations. The positive effects of nanotechnology are illustrated with four case studies.
One additional case study deals with possible risks and negative effects of nanotechnology.
In the last section, the role of guiding principles in future nanotechnology research and development is discussed.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-XIV
Summary....Pages 1-15
Methodological approaches to the prospective assessment....Pages 17-38
Technology-specific impacts of nanotechnology....Pages 39-63
Assessment of sustainability effects in the context of specific applications....Pages 65-180
Formative approaches to a sustainable nanotechnology....Pages 181-213
Conclusions, the outlook, and need for action....Pages 215-221
Back Matter....Pages 223-271
Taking as its subject matter one aspect of the hugely important subject of nanotechnology, this book demonstrates that the application of nanotechnology in industry can result in increased eco-efficiency and other environmental gains.
It also shows what needs to be done from the point of view of scientists, engineers and science policy makers to guide future development in nanotechnology towards sustainability.
The underlying method here has been a three-tier approach to prospective technology assessment.
With benefits that are hugely practical, the authors provide examples to illustrate their approach, along with dozens of illustrations. The positive effects of nanotechnology are illustrated with four case studies.
One additional case study deals with possible risks and negative effects of nanotechnology.
In the last section, the role of guiding principles in future nanotechnology research and development is discussed.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-XIV
Summary....Pages 1-15
Methodological approaches to the prospective assessment....Pages 17-38
Technology-specific impacts of nanotechnology....Pages 39-63
Assessment of sustainability effects in the context of specific applications....Pages 65-180
Formative approaches to a sustainable nanotechnology....Pages 181-213
Conclusions, the outlook, and need for action....Pages 215-221
Back Matter....Pages 223-271
....