Description
Book SynopsisExamining one of the fastest growing industries in the world, Ronit Justo-Hanani compares the distinctly different approaches between both sides of the Atlantic when regulating the health, safety and environmental risks of nanotechnology and its novel properties.
Looking at ongoing adjustments to existing laws, Justo-Hanani details how and why, in contrast to the United States, the European Union has adopted a far more stringent, comprehensive regulatory policy for nanotechnology safety. This illuminating book shows that despite the US’ prominence in global nanotechnology markets, the strict rules of the EU have been at the forefront of market regulations across the globe. With a full and comparative account of the politics and regulatory processes of nanotechnology safety in the EU and US, it ultimately argues that the EU’s adaptive and proactive, capacity-building strategy, is the key to strengthening its role as a global regulatory leader.
This timely book will be useful to students and scholars of regulation and governance; science, technology, and innovation policy; environmental and health policy; and international law and politics. Its practical applications will also be of interest to policymakers concerned with the advancements of nanotechnology.
Trade Review‘Nanotechnologies are rapidly proliferating in a wide array of industries. What kinds of risk their use may have for human health and the environment is still imbued with much uncertainty. This excellent comparative study delves into the different approaches employed in the EU and the US towards regulating nanotechnology safety and shows how the EU has succeeded in influencing international discussions towards the adoption of more precautionary regulatory approaches. The book will interest scholars and practitioners interested in the governance of emerging technologies, transatlantic competition and cooperation in the establishment of technology regulations, global regime formation, and European foreign policy.’ -- Miranda A. Schreurs, Technical University of Munich, Germany
‘A carefully researched and comprehensive analysis of the European, American and global approaches to managing the risks of nanotechnology. The analysis of the EU's global impact is particularly illuminating.’ -- David Vogel, University of California, Berkeley, US
Table of ContentsContents: Preface 1 Nanotechnology safety and the global economy 2 Nanosafety regulatory policies: comprehensive and limited approaches 3 Transatlantic regulatory divergence: the role of domestic politics and policy styles 4 The establishment of EU nanotechnology regulatory policy: green political actors as drivers of regional integration 5 The spread of nano-specific risk regulation: the EU’s international regulatory influence 6 Conclusions References Index
