Nanotechnology - Nanotech Regulatory Document Archive - Arizona ...

• Enabling means, debating the progress of the work carried out by the OECD working
parties related to nanotechnology, as well as the challenges of metrology,
standardisation, definitions and intellectual protection. The importance of launching
coordinated activities on global challenges was highlighted, such as nanotechnology
for water purification, environmental remediation or more generally in sustainable
development. The importance was highlighted of joint projects whose immediate
industrial or commercial interest is not apparent, but whose societal or environmental
benefits are great. Organisational challenges were also addressed.
• Societal engagement, debating the experience acquired by a global networking of
social scientists and hearing the lessons learnt from the dialogue with the public in
different countries and by different stakeholders. The value of information,
communication, dialogue and of a constant "listening mode" was consistently
highlighted. Good practices have been presented and debated.
The main messages from the Dialogue included recommendations to public administrations
such as:
• To continue promoting nanotechnology development within a systematic and
responsible approach, taking into account long term challenges.
• To acknowledge that developing safe products and processes, protecting the
environment and achieving a level playing field in the globalized market, is of interest
to all countries in the world;
• To encourage adopting a global approach when global issues are at stake;
• To pursue an inclusive approach;
• To promote a number of joint actions, so that "going global" is not a goal per se but
can help all stakeholders to perform better.
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