LamprouMemo20

Memo 20 My research project is a comparative study of standards development and harmonization processes concerning nanotechnology in two political cultures, the EU and the US. Through participant observation, interviews, and analysis of policy documents, I will explore the ways standards are discussed in different policy frameworks. Of central concern is how political power, neoliberal ideals, cultural values, and public participation affect the outcomes of proposed standards. My research aims to answer questions in three main areas: 1. How does the structure and organization of the political cultures of the US and EU affect the discussion and development of nanotechnology standards? What drives and structures the discussions over standards in different cultural frameworks? How do different political cultures affect trans-Atlantic harmonization processes? 2. How are policies developed with respect to neoliberalism and its critics? What are the conflicting approaches to nanotechnology regulation and standards development? How is neoliberalism connected to those approaches? What is the role of neoliberalism (influential or contested) in the transnational policy settings of nanotechnology standards development? 3. How do the governance structures enable and restrict political participation in nanotechnology policy making? How do deliberative and participatory institutions work? What role do they play in policy making procedures and harmonization processes?