Nanotechnology will alter our relationship with molecules and matter as profoundly as the computer changed our relationship with bits and information. Research on productive nanosystems will eventually develop programmable, molecular-scale systems that make other useful nanostructured materials and devices.


These systems will enable a new manufacturing base that can produce both small and large objects precisely and inexpensively. The Foresight Guidelines are designed to address the potential positive and negative consequences of this new technology base in an open and scientifically accurate matter. The objective is to provide a basis for informed policy decisions by citizens and governments, and guidelines for the responsible development of productive nanotechnology by practitioners and industry.

The Guidelines are presented in the active format of self-assessment scorecards for nanotechnology practitioners, industry organizations, and regulatory agencies. Industry organizations for example can assess and score their own degree of compliance with the Guidelines, in much the same way they do with quality programs.


This allows the dialog about nanotechnology safety to move from loose recommendations to self assessment of compliance with an operational set of nanotechnology development guidelines. Precise scoring is not necessary at this point, but the process of regular self assessment is critical. As the dialog progresses, more precise scoring guidelines are likely to evolve.