Forward to the future : Nanotechnology and Regulatory Policy

Paper examines three possible regulatory futures for nanotechnology: complete prohibition, a limit of nanotechnology to military use and applications, and modest regulation with and emphasis on civilian research. After looking at these three possible futures, author draws parallels from other regulated technologies such as atomic energy and recommends a policy of modest regulation as the regulatory system that would offer the greatest possibility for realizing the benefits of nanotechnology while minimizing any risks. Paper published by the Pacific Research Institute, a free-market think tank.