Assessment of the Perceptions about Active Institutions in the Field of Iran's Nanotechnology and Their Responsibility for Performing Governance Functions

The emergence of "Governance of Nanotechnology" conceptual framework implies a multilateral approach to the development of this emerging technology. Governance of nanotechnology, along with economic and technological development emphasizes on the full and responsible development of this technology and includes two other functions as well. One of these functions is paying attention to regulations and implementing standard-based nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. The third function is the necessity of informing people about this subject and paving the way for their social participation in the formulation of policies and policy-making in this field. The findings of this research suggest that there is a relative consensus among institutions responsible for the governance of nanotechnology. Also, policy-making institutions, companies producing nano- products and regulatory agencies have more responsibility in fulfilling the functions of nanotechnology governance in Iran. The results indicate that there is a perception of "the heavy responsibility of government" among organizations involved in the field of Iran’s nanotechnology and these institutions have high expectations of government to fulfill the functions of nanotechnology’s governance.