Today I attended the third meeting of the working group of the Responsible Nanotechnology Code of Conduct (Responsible NanoCode). This is being developed by the Nanotechnology Industry Association (NIA), Insight Investment, The Royal Society and The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network. The working group is chaired by the Earl of Selborne KBE, FRS, and comprises representatives from industry, academia and the NGOs.
This summer has seen the emergence of a number of Code of Conduct initiatives in Nanotechnology including an EU Code of Conduct (EUnanocode). While the EU code has a clear focus on research activities, Responsible NanoCode has a much greater business focus and industry involvement. The aim of initiative is to develop a voluntary, principles based code of conduct for businesses involved in the development and application of nanotechnologies. The code is intended to establish a consensus of what constitutes good practice in business across Nanotechnology. Like other principle-based codes it will illustrate expected behaviours and processes, not standards or performance. Indicators of compliance with the code are also being developed. The code is not intended however to be an auditable standard - it will not detail levels of performance expected by companies, nor will it give guidance on definitions, characterisation and measurement.
From my perspective the code is developing very well. The general principles which constitute the main elements of the code, are in my view entirely consistent with the development of nanotechnology in a responsible way. In relation to each of the principles identified, a number of indicators of compliance have also been developed. I have been encouraged by the approaches being developed and the overwhelming commitment of all involved to develop a code which will both challenge industry to act responsibly, and provide a framework which will enable them to do so. The code will shortly be available for public comment and so it would be inappropriate at this stage to give more detail. However, for more information about the code have a look at the website: www.responsiblenanocode.org and be sure to provide comments when the consultation opens.