Abstract
Delineating the emergence of nanotechnologies that offer
new functionalities is an important element in an
anticipatory approach to the governance of nanotechnology
and its potential impacts. This paper examines the
transition to next generation active nanotechnologies
which incorporate functions that respond to the
environment or systems concepts that combine devices and
structures that are dynamic and which may change their
states in use. We develop an approach to identifying
these active nanotechnologies and then use bibliometric
analysis to examine the extent of research papers and
patents involving these concepts. We also examine
references to environmental, health, and safety concepts
in these papers, given that these next generation
nanotechnologies are likely to have risk profiles that
are different from those of first-generation passive
nanomaterials. Our results show a steady growth overall
in focus on active nanotechnologies in the research
literature and in patents over the study period of
1990-2010. We also find an increase in consideration
given to environmental, health, and safety topics. While
gaps are highlighted in our understanding of research and
innovation in active nanotechnologies, the results
suggest that there is beginning to be a shift to active
nanotechnologies, with the implication that governance
processes need to be conscious of this shift and to
prepare for it.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 270 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Journal of Nanoparticle Research |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- Active nanotechnology
- Bibliometrics
- Environmental, health, and safety
- Science and technology survey
- Systems of nanotechnology