Nanotechnologies: Will the positive frame endure?

In Barbara Herr Harthorn's lecture, she discussed her recent study of perceptions of nanotechnologies in the United States and United Kingdom.

A major difficulty for the research teams was the low level of knowledge of nanotechnologies in both countries. As such, the teams decided upon an innovative methodology to triangulate results. "Deliberative forums" were conducted. These forums integrate reasoning with deliberation and interpretation. A workshop was designed to promote self-activated learning.

The team found that the potential benefits of nanotechnologies framed risk perception. The U.S. participants were not skeptical about these technologies. The UK participants were concerned about government regulation and mis-management.

As knowledge of nanotechnologies grows in the general public, perhaps the positive attitudes toward them will change. It is a unique opportunity to research attitudinal change from the beginning of a product, especially one that the government and some researcher believe will usher in the next "revolution" in technology.