Regulatory Supervision of Emerging Technologies : A Case for Nanotechnology in India

Regulatory oversight of emerging technologies in the case of developing countries has historically been a touché topic. Primarily because regulation per se is seen as unfriendly to business ventures entering as yet uncharted areas of technological evolution that holds a promise of positive developmental impact. Nevertheless a case could me made on developing regulatory frameworks vis-à-vis emerging technologies like nanotechnology as they pose potential environmental risks and health hazards. Further since initial investments in these emerging technologies are essentially driven by public research funds it is imperative to consider questions of efficiency in its allocation. Regulatory imperatives may emanate also from the need for transparency and public involvement in decision making in the case of technologies which extensive societal impacts