Understanding Public Benefit and Risk Perceptions Through Psychological and Sociological Aspects for Sustainable Nanotechnology Development in Malaysia

Abstract

Nanotechnology has opened a new realm to science and technology whereby it has been developed and used in various applications with potentials to facilitate sustainable development. The applications of nanotechnology are beneficial in improving public health, enhancing the functionality and endurance of consumer products, and potentially preserving the environment; however, uncertain risks associated with nanomaterials need to be understood for a good governance of nanotechnology to ensure sustainable development of nanotechnology. Hence, public perceptions of nanotechnology are instrumental for good governance of nanotechnology to determine the acceptance and rejection of the public toward nanotechnology. In this chapter, the public benefit and risk perceptions of nanotechnology are deliberated based on a case study in Klang Valley, Malaysia, through psychological and sociological aspects. Psychologically, knowledge is not a factor affecting the benefit and risk perceptions. However, the public perceives nanotechnology to be more beneficial than risky. Public attitudes are positive for nanotechnology, giving people benefit perception and reducing risk perception of nanotechnology. Trust in government, industry, and researchers increases the public benefit perception on nanotechnology as they are the driving force of nanotechnology development. The government as the regulator of nanotechnology development affects risk perception when public trust in government declines. Therefore, the government needs to play a role in getting public trust, thereby enhancing the public benefit perception on nanotechnology. Sociologically, i.e., culture, religious belief, and social aspect influence the public benefit perception but not risk perception on nanotechnology. Policy and religion emphasizing science and technology as an economic driver for the well-being bring the culture in receiving both scientific and technological developments in general and nanotechnology in particular. Correspondingly, continuous research of nanotechnology will result in the social implication by ensuring equal distribution of nanotechnology benefit, and at the same time, its risk will be effectively managed.