Capability, governance, and nanotechnology developments: a focus on India

This three year research (April 2007 - March 2010) will, through a focus on India, examine various aspects of developing country capability needed to (i) respond to Nanotechnology (NT) challenges, (ii) engage with NT developments and debates, and (iii) help establish an innovative governance framework. The research will have two components: a global and an Indian case study component and these will be linked as information and analysis of global developments will help inform the case study and the insights from the case study will help inform the global debate. At the global level, the research will be done in collaboration with Meridian Institute, through the Global Dialogue on Nanotechnology and the Poor: Opportunities and Risks. The research approach will combine two bodies of work - S and T studies with development studies. A diversity of methods will be used and these include: multi-stakeholder dialogues, cross sectional surveys, key interviews, desk reviews, focus groups and risk assessments. Expected Outcomes 1. More participatory processes through which NT developments in India are negotiated, evaluated and reviewed 2. Greater civil society engagement in the development of a regulatory frame 3. Contribution to international strategies that will help avoid a North-South Divide 4. Contribution to a framework of risk governance of NT as a global issue 5. Strengthened research capacity to do integrated science policy research