Science and Technology Innovation Program
Events
Another Game for Congress to Play
"'Budget Hero' is not quite “Angry Birds” — yet it will leave you squawking mad about the ruinous consequences of politicians’ failure to reach a debt agreement," writes Dana Milbank about the latest edition of the game that allows players to play out budget scenarios using the budget policies of President Obama and Governor Romney as well as the impending “fiscal cliff.”
PEN 19 - Voluntary Initiatives, Regulation, and Nanotechnology Oversight
Enough voluntary initiatives for nanotechnology have been implemented so they can be looked at together, in a comparative sense, and historically, in terms of their relationship to programs that have preceded them. This report provides that analysis for the first time. In Voluntary Initiatives, Regulation, and Nanotechnology Oversight: Charting a Path, Dr. Daniel Fiorino provides a taxonomy of the various types of voluntary initiatives (past and present) and the partnerships that underlie them, as well as an assessment of the factors that are most likely to contribute to program success. As nanotechnologies advance, along with other emerging technologies, voluntary programs will continue to play an important role in the governance portfolio. For this reason, evaluating and learning from these endeavors will remain critical to better oversight. This report is an important contribution to that learning process.
Nanotechnology: Forging Ahead Responsibly
A new study shows Americans are excited about the prospects of nanotechnology, but concerned about its potential health and environmental effects.
PEN 7 - Thinking Big About Things Small: Creating an Effective Oversight System for Nanotechnology
View
Nanotechnology: The Power of Small
Products incorporating nanotechnology have become a global, multi-billion dollar industry yet much of the public knows little about nano's potential impact on the environment, human health, and privacy. A three-part tv series, "Nanotechnology: The Power of Small," airing in April, will explore these issues.
Environmental Issues of the Next Century
Geoff Dabelko, Director of the Environmental Change and Security Project at the Woodrow Wilson CenterIf environmental problems remain a major challenge in the 21st century, poverty and affluence will be critical factors in shaping that challenge. During the 20th century, rich nations developed a particular pattern of pollution and environmental degradation -- which has yet to be adequately addressed. Likewise, poor nations began despoiling the environment and squandering resources in ways that were distinctive to them. (First broadcast July 19-25, 1999)
