ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the attributes and the potential of the key transnational nanotechnology governance arrangements, which provide forums of debate at transnational level and contribute to establishing informal coordination mechanisms. It discusses the factors that have contributed to the emergence of transnational governance arrangements (TGAs) and emphasizes why these modes of governance are considered appropriate to respond to the nanotechnology regulatory challenges. The chapter introduces a typology that distinguishes governance arrangements on the basis of actors involved, as well as the functions and the regulatory stages in which the arrangements contribute. It emphasizes that TGAs can be characterised not only by these attributes, but also by their degree of institutionalization as well as the normative and substantive depth of transnational outcomes. The chapter focuses on technical Committee on Nanotechnology; economic co-operation and development (OECD) OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN); intergovernmental forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS); International Risk Governance Council (IRGC) and International Council on Nanotechnology (ICON).
