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Workshop Summary
Inaugural Meeting of the International Nanotechnology and Society Network (INSN)
The International Nanotechnology and Society Network (INSN) held its inaugural meeting January 26-28, 2005 in Tempe, Arizona, USA on the campus of Arizona State University. Participants in the inaugural meeting were drawn from around the world..
It follows that there is uncertainty about how INSN should refer to their work. It was noted that the focus may need to be expanded to cover a number of converging technologies for which nanotechnology serves as an umbrella term. Since the term “nano” is not connected to specific technologies, but convergence of many, the Network may want to look at nanotechnology in this context. It was decided that instead of concentrating on whether nanotechnology only or more generally converging technologies is the focus of the network, to think about the main point, “Can society interact with the nanotechnology trajectory?”
In order to embark upon answering such a complex question, six metathemes of research (scholarship) agendas and collaborations were identified. These included:
The metathemes are meant to include both spectacular and mundane technologies. The meta-themes, while listed here as distinct categories, are tightly linked and have cross-cutting themes such as convergence, business, and innovation.
INSN will use the research (scholarship) themes as a basis for collaboration. Internally, the Network can use each other as a source of evaluation for their own experiments. At a global level, an international research agenda would help the already functioning nanotech societies, especially those that are limited by various conditions of their individual set-up. INSN can also be helpful in getting input and assistance from others on projects of interest to individual members. The purpose of the Network could be to form a group of “like-minded nano-interested social scientists.”
In addition to the agenda, the Network’s organizational structure is equally important and needs time dedicated to it. So far, the consensus is to have a core that represents organizational commitments, and a network that reaches out to individuals/organizations that want to participate. INSN needs to identify some organizations to be part of the core from other parts of the world, not including the already involved U.S. and U.K. There was consensus that it is crucial that third world institutions be included in the core and/or network in addition to first world institutions. Perhaps INSN could connect to international organizations. Also, it would be useful to have an international organizing committee for the Network.
In order for this network of individuals and institutions to be beneficial, it is essential that they meet on a periodic basis, which can be accomplished independently or by “piggy-backing” onto related meetings. Network events can occur on various scales from large conferences to meetings of small working groups. Network members should consider the inclusion of other INSN members in activities they are planning as well. Additionally, the Network should take advantage of videoconferencing, especially for activities between meetings. It is also important that INSN members represent the Network in the other organizations they are members of or at other conferences they attend.
All of the goals of an effective network can be made possible by strengthening the mechanisms INSN utilizes to share information both within the Network and beyond the Network. Setting up a listserv for the group can facilitate intra-network communication and an interactive website can be used to communicate beyond the Network. Additionally, sections of the website could have selective access, so that it also could be used as a collaborative working space for the Network. The website should not be taken lightly, and therefore funding should probably be secured to support it so that INSN’s web presence is maximized.
Many components will be involved in establishing the International Nanotechnology and Society Network. An agenda has been laid out so that the Network can move forward with some direction. There is a clear need for such a collaboration to address the various impacts that nano-science and technology may have on society both locally and globally.
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