Who ya gonna call?

Here's a hypothetical: Let's say you have completely familiarized yourself with the practical implications of advanced nanotechnology, and you are convinced that deeply disruptive changes in many arenas are likely within the next decade, or two decades at the most.

Then let's say that you've studied the positions outlined by the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology and you think they deserve serious consideration -- it is important, even vital, that the right people hear about this and begin taking action. Okay, then who are the "right people"?

This is a serious question, and it's one we wrestle with all the time.

Who most needs to hear CRN's message? Should we target governments, educational/research institutions, corporations, think tanks, activist groups, the popular media, or some combination of these? Is it best to focus our energies only within the United States? Will we get a better outcome if we concentrate on other countries, perhaps in Europe, or Asia? Or should we be talking primarily with representatives of international bodies? Who most needs to hear about this, and perhaps more important, who can have the most influence given the right knowledge?

We're not sure we know the answer yet. It's an ongoing discussion, and we would welcome your input.

Comments

[Crawford Kilian]

I don't have answers to your very good questions, though it seems to me the public needs to understand the basic issues as soon as possible. It will then be able to consider the options offered by academics, businesses, and politicians. The public, after all, will pay the cost in both financial and cultural terms.

[bajsp]

Who ya gonna call? GOSTBUSTERS!!!