Intervening in emerging nanotechnologies: a CTA of Lab on a chip technology

Abstract

This thesis studies the dynamics of a particular technological field, Lab on a chip technology, as well as the ability to steer its developments. Both aims are embedded in two distinct research lines throughout the thesis. Emerging technologies have characteristics that distinguish them from later stage technologies. Regarding intervention in early-stage technologies, the Collingridge dilemma makes it difficult to intervene constructively. In studying the dynamics of emerging technologies three particular elements are being stressed: 1) how over time early entrenchment sets in, 2) how actors relate to each other and how this influences interactions, and 3) how interaction between actors is organised. Here, in the different investigations of these elements, it becomes evident that the current Lab on a chip field situation is still rather open ended. A historical narrative shows that there has been quite some build up in proof of principles, commercial interest, and actor arrangements. However, when looking in more detail at the aspect of entrenchment and relations between actors, no findings of directions that became ingrained in the actions and interactions of the involved actors can be presented. One of the main assumptions of this research is that when interaction between different actors were to take place in a constructive and broader manner at an earlier stage of the development process of new science and technology, the eventual societal embedment can be increased. This thesis describes a novel approach on how to facilitate such interaction between various actors in the early stages of technology development. In this, there is a particularly focusing on stimulating broadening and enriching of thinking, action, and interacting of actors) to improve the quality of innovation processes. Such an intervention not only aims at improving the quality of innovation processes, but also offers opportunities to increase the societal embedment of new science and technology. In this line of research it is found that broadening and enriching in the normal working environment had indeed occurred. Exemplary for this result is that about 75% of the participants indicated that they now take into account more actors and aspects in their work. The thesis concludes by discussing the institutionalisation of (C)TA. The basic assumption underlying this discussion is that (C)TA should be viewed and organised as an integral part of innovation processes, innovation policies, and innovation systems at an early stage. Integrating (C)TA activities in innovation systems would stimulate and facilitate the involvement of a variety of relevant actors in decision making about societal and economically successful directions of emerging technologies. By this the capability of these parties to improve the societal embedment of technology options at an early stage will increase. As a consequence the quality of innovation processes will increase from an economic as well as a societal point view. The final conclusion of this thesis then is that interventions that use the 3 step CTA approach can enhance the capabilities of various actors to handle the Collingridge dilemma productively and by this contribute to the improvement of the successful embedment of science and technology in society.