Risk analysis and technology assessment in support of technology development: Putting responsible innovation in practice in a case study for nanotechnology

ABSTRACT Governments invest in “key enabling technologies,” such as nanotechnology, to solve societal challenges and boost the economy. At the same time, governmental agencies demand risk reduction to prohibit any often unknown adverse effects, and industrial parties demand smart approaches to reduce uncertainties. Responsible research and innovation (RRI) is therefore a central theme in policy making. Risk analysis and technology assessment, together referred to as “RATA,” can provide a basis to assess human, environmental, and societal risks of new technological developments during the various stages of technological development. This assessment can help both governmental authorities and innovative industry to move forward in a sustainable manner. Here we describe the developed procedures and products and our experiences to bring RATA in practice within a large Dutch nanotechnology consortium. This is an example of how to put responsible innovation in practice as an integrated part of a research program, how to increase awareness of RATA, and how to help technology developers perform and use RATA. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:9–16. © 2017 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC) Key Points Risk analysis and technology assessment (RATA) help to assess human, environmental, and societal risks during technological development. We describe our experiences to bring RATA in practice in a large Dutch nanotechnology consortium. As an integrated part of innovation, RATA intensifies interaction among innovators, RATA researchers, and regulators. The approach described might also inspire responsible innovation for other emerging technologies and could be coupled to governmental investments in stimulating technology developments.