Technology Policy Framework Based on Ethical and Social Values: Case of Nanotechnology Policy in the Power and Energy Industry

Developing a framework for policy-making and technology strategy based on ethical and social values ​​in the power and energy industry due to the fundamental role of this industry in the development of industrial societies is of particular importance in determining investment priorities, development, and operation of technologies. Considering the attention in the application of nanotechnology in the production, transmission, and distribution of power in the power and energy industry with a competitive advantage and high strategic effect, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the policy-making and strategy of nanotechnology in this industry. The design and development of the model are based on the moral and social value system. In this research, based on the grounded theory of the foundation and interviews with experts and coding in three open, axial, and selective stages, the conceptual model of strategy formulation and policy-making, based on ethical and social values ​​in nanotechnology of power and energy industry according to factors causal and contextual and intervening conditions were presented. In this regard, technology policy-makers, using the models of this research can observe the value gap in the process of research and development or transfer of nanotechnology. Findings show that policy-making and formulation of nanotechnology strategy based on value system can be a different framework for identifying and evaluating the interaction and interaction of nanotechnology with the community in order to increase social welfare and increase awareness of the consequences and social functions of this technology and avoid its problems.