Risk governance for sustainable development of nanotechnology

Examples of national as well as international efforts along with voluntary measures for risk governance in nanotechnology is reviewed and analyzed. Starting from the definition of the risk in this work, we discuss the path from risk assessment to decision making for risk management. Processes for participation of stakeholders in decision making are also considered. It is noted that the diversity of nanotechnology must be taken into account in risk communication, and need for a common language is stressed. Transparent and efficient participatory processes are found to be essential for successful risk governance. For practical and efficient governance, a global approach is found to be necessary.