Assessment of social implications of nanotechnologies in Japan: Application of problem structuring method based on interview surveys and cognitive maps

This paper aims at developing a problem structuring method based on interview surveys of key stakeholders and a well-known visualizing technique, called a “cognitive map.” We found that this new method, based on an interactive process with key stakeholders, was able to draw broader and more detailed issues than was previously anticipated. We also found that the proposed method was useful for the analysis of the societal implications of emerging technologies, such as nanotechnologies, which are not easily defined. It is confirmed that the proposed method can clarify common and diversified issues based on the perception of key stakeholders and identify additional stakeholders to be interviewed.