06.06.2008

FramingNano EU Research Project Launched - Innovation Society Participating

FramingNano - International multi-stakeholder dialogue platform framing the responsible development of Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (NS&T). The FramingNano project will support the establishment of a multi-stakeholders dialogue on NS&T regulation and governance among the scientific, institutional, industrial communities, the broad public to articulate consensus and absence of consensus between the various stakeholders, sustain a European debate between them, and foster the development of a shared frame of knowledge, objectives, actions to define constructive and practicable regulatory solutions toward a responsible development of NS&T.

This action will lead to a proposal of a Governance Plan designing a deliberative process forthe responsible development of NS&T at European level (and beyond), includingrecommendations for future research, policy actions, and co-operative research processes

over the years 2009-2013.

FramingNano activity is articulated in 28 months and geared around 4 key actions:

1. Analysis and review of existing-proposed regulatory processes of NS&T, the internationalsituation on this point, the level of science-policy interface, the research initiatives for riskbenefitassessment, identification of the relevant NS&T stakeholders organisations.2. Collection and analysis of stakeholders positions and needs with reference to the issuescritical for them in order to gather the necessary input to frame deliberative processes andprocedures.

3. Development, basing on the information gathered, of an appropriate proposal of a Governance Plan at EU level (and beyond), with needs, actions, and recommendations (with reference to relevant stakeholders), necessary to pursue a responsible development of nanotechnology.4. Communication and dissemination of information on NS&T governance to foster a dialogue with and stimulate the interest of stakeholders about this theme, prompt their engagement in the project, increase awareness of the civil society on the theme.

Main outcomes will be:

• A detailed analysis of existing-proposed worldwide regulatory processes on NS&T
• A survey of the relevant stakeholders at EU level
• An in-depth assessment (Delphi-exercise) of critical issues, attitudes and needs of stakeholders regarding regulatory issues of NS&T
• An International Workshop to illustrate the project objectives, present the results of the analysis of the existing situation, discuss the questionnaire of the Delphi exercise.
• A proposal of a Governance Plan identifying and prioritizing actions needed to ensure a responsible development of NS&T
• A final International event to present and discuss the proposed Governance Plan • National Workshops in partners’ country illustrating the final proposal for Governance Plan and deepen NS&T issues at national level.
• A website and a Newsletter dedicated to the responsible development of NS&T. The project brings together 7 partners from 7 countries, covering all main European geographical areas (North, Eastern, Centre, South). Partners have a long experience in NS&T, in S&T assessment, consultation processes, analysis of technological and societal issues, communication, and already established liaison with many relevant stakeholders.

The project will support the European Commission, EU policy makers and stakeholders in designing a European model that assure that the development of Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies takes place responsibly and to the benefit of the individuals and the society.