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Abstract :
[en] Policy makers involved in innovation policy and scientists working on newly emerging technologies such as nanotechnologies, are confronted with three considerable challenges: a lack of distinct indicating directions of possible applications (strategic uncertainty), a lack of scientific knowledge (complexity) and the ambiguous reception of new developments in society. In this climate of uncertainty and ambiguity it is by no means clear for the actors involved how to innovate purposefully and constructively. In response to such problems and difficulties, the Flemish interdisciplinary research project 'Nanotechnologies for Tomorrow's Society' (NanoSoc) engages innovation networks where each actor contributes his (incomplete) views and perspectives and confronts them with those of others. The project brings together nanotechnologists, natural and social scientists, stakeholders, and citizens in the region of Flanders, Belgium, to discuss and steer future nanotech developments in three particular fields of nanotechnology development: smart environment, bio on chip, and new materials. This article first discusses the main challenges in innovating successfully with nanotechnologies, to then elaborate on how NanoSoc seeks to effectively address these issues through interdisciplinary reflective action research.