ABSTRACT
This chapter examines some of the barriers that are likely to limit the promised benefits of emerging technologies aimed at the poor, with a particular focus on the risks (and the public perception of risks) that such technologies might pose. These risks are not just physical: a fully realized “responsible development” of these technologies requires not only equitable access to their benefits, but also assessment and equitable control of their risks and potential harm. Thus in addition to technical risk assessment, which is essential, a key component is establishing genuine two-way communication and mutual understanding between technology experts and publics about the potential “social risks” posed by seemingly beneficial technologies. Social risks refer to situated social and cultural meanings of promised new technologies, and hence go beyond the technical, physical characteristics of the new materials and technologies. This chapter reports on a project that is intended to shed light on such social risks through combining publics' perceptions and beliefs about the use of nanotechnologies with those of experts. The basic premise of this chapter is that eliciting the views of the broader public reveals hopes and concerns often unconsidered by experts, which can help elucidate the various social risks posed by new technologies like nanotechnologies. Understanding, assessing, and minimizing these social risks, in turn, are important steps toward building up public trust and acceptability, key elements for responsible and successful development.
