An Examination of the Nature and Application among the Nanotechnologies Industry of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Context of Safeguarding the Environment and Human Health
Lead Researchers: Professor Robert Lee, Dr Chris Groves,
Lori Frater, Heledd Jenkins, Dr Elen Stokes
Background
Given the divergence and uncertainties in the assessment of risks and benefits associated with nanotechnologies and the inability of regulation to adapt to the rapid pace of developments, other methods of responsible management may be necessary, in particular through self-regulation when dealing with the conceptualisation, development, use and disposal of nanoparticles (Lee & Jose, 2008). These views are highlighted in the European Commission’s Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Action Plan 2005-2009, which underlines the importance to respect ethical principles and integrate societal considerations in R&D processes. It is supported also by the current consultation on the development of a responsible nanotechnologies code, which aims to stimulate companies to consider all aspects of their involvement with nanotechologies including governance, risk assessment, broader social and ethical issues and to take into account the views of their stakeholders (Responsible Futures 2008). Therefore, one of the major challenges for the industry and policy makers is to ensure that appropriate assessment methodologies are developed in line with the pace at which the applications themselves become realities, whilst also promoting their responsible development, use and disposal.
The aim of this research is to assess the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a voluntary and self-regulatory approach by industry itself to tackle these potential risks. The project, seeks to assess the impact of the nature and application of CSR as a tool for the nanotechnologies industry to address some of the associated environmental and human health risks. The main objective of the project is to evaluate what motivates or inhibits industry to adopt responsible practices by applying a societal approach to risk assessment and risk management based on CSR principles.
