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Lookup NU author(s): Nidhi Gupta, Professor Lynn FrewerORCiD
The introduction of different applications of nanotechnology will be informed by expert views regarding which (types of) application will be most societally acceptable. Previous research in Northern Europe has indicated that experts believe that various factors will be influential, predominant among these being public perceptions of benefit, need and consumer concern about contact with nanomaterials. These factors are thought by experts to differentiate societal acceptance and rejection of nanotechnology applications. This research utilises a larger sample of experts (N = 67) drawn from Northern America, Europe, Australasia, India and Singapore to examine differences in expert opinion regarding societal acceptance of different applications of nanotechnology within different technological environments, consumer cultures and regulatory regimes. Perceived risk and consumer concerns regarding contact with nanoparticles are thought by all experts to drive rejection, and perceived benefits to influence acceptance, independent of country. Encapsulation and delivery of nutrients in food was thought to be the most likely to raise societal concerns, while targeted drug delivery was thought most likely to be accepted. Lack of differentiation between countries suggests that expert views regarding social acceptance may be homogenous, independent of local contextual factors.
Author(s): Gupta N, Fischer ARH, George S, Frewer LJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Nanoparticle Research
Year: 2013
Volume: 15
Issue: 8
Print publication date: 01/04/2013
Online publication date: 14/07/2013
Acceptance date: 03/07/2013
Date deposited: 29/09/2014
ISSN (print): 1388-0764
ISSN (electronic): 1572-896X
Publisher: Springer
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11051-013-1838-4
DOI: 10.1007/s11051-013-1838-4
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