Mobilizing in the Context of Uncertainty: Social Movement Organizations and their Role in Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology has emerged as an issue of concern for organized public interest groups or social movement organizations (SMOs). SMOs are uniquely positioned to dedicate time and resources to nanotechnology-related issues and therefore can directly affect public perceptions by conveying their understandings of nanotechnology and its potential implications for society and the environment.  What are the main nanotechnology-related issues for SMOs and to what audience do SMOs appeal for action? In order to observe how SMOs mobilize around nanotechnology-related issues, a database was compiled, consisting of 186 organizations that articulated interest in nanotechnology. These groups were then divided into “nano-engaged” and “allies” according to the level of involvement demonstrated by each SMO. Analysis focuses on the 88 identified “nano-engaged” organizations, using their statements, publications, press releases, and other written documents. With the data collection in- progress, this presentation compares three ’nano engaged’ SMOs that are classified as ‘pro-nano’, ‘neutral” and ‘anti-nano’. This comparison includes the audiences, targets and goals for each organization and results of their activities.  This research shows that despite having different perceptions of nanotechnology, each SMO generated broader public discussions about nanotechnology innovation, safety, and governance. Future research will code collected SMO documents for issue domain (e.g. potential risks of nanotechnology for environment, consumer and worker safety or potential promises of nanotechnology for innovation) and audience (e.g. government agencies, policymakers, scientists, companies, or publics) to develop a more systematic understanding of how SMOs understand and communicate nanotechnology-related issues.