Designing a model for standardization of nanotechnology using Grounded Theory

Given the ambiguity and uncertainty in the nature of nanotechnology, its commercialization requires the development of an appropriate regulatory system, and the prerequisite for implementation of such a framework is technology standardization. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide a model for standardization of nanotechnology and explain the theoretical theorems. This research is an applied research that has been done with a qualitative approach based on grounded theory. The statistical population of this study is experts at the macro and firm levels and purposeful sampling has been used. The collected qualitative data were analyzed using MAXQDA18 software and the final model was extracted. Based on the analyzes performed, in the axial and selective coding stages, 45 codes and 6 categories were identified, including drivers, nanotechnology standardization, mechanisms, prerequisites, surrounding conditions and barriers, and results. The resulting theory shows that standardization of nanotechnology leads to increasing market share and production volume and demand, branding, increasing quality and safety, creating wealth and economic advantage, pioneering in nanotechnology, gaining public trust, reducing risk and technology uncertainty, diffusion of innovation. To achieve these results are emphasized on strategies including, standardization diplomacy, attracting private sector participation, developing corporate standardization, improving and evaluating the national nanotechnology standardization system, enforcing some standards, export-oriented nanotechnology standardization policies, standardization in the technology life cycle, development of nanometrology laboratories, research and development in nanotechnology standardization, proper government policy, and product quality control and quality assurance.