Civil society is the “third sector” of the society, along with government and business. It aggregates non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens. Non-governmental, public health, consumer, environmental and labour associations, are all organizations that commonly follow governmental regulatory activities, industrial activities (common and innovative), and near to market product (and process) developments.

NANO2ALL will help civil society organisations better understand nanotechnologies and their applications, as well as learn about the concept of responsible research and innovation (RRI) and its advantages.

Through NANO2ALL they will have the opportunity to be part of a nanotechnology dialogue involving diverse societal groups and, thus, hear about the needs, values and expectations of others concerning the use of nanotechnologies and the benefits and risks arising from it. More importantly, civil society organisations will be able to express the views and positions of the groups they represent, influencing the creation of a shared vision on existing and potential future benefits and risks of advancing nanotechnology including ways to support responsible research and innovation along the value chain.

This will help identify those innovation trajectories that are most likely to advance into responsible nanotechnology applications, providing an innovation agenda and a roadmap with actions required to enhance societal engagement in nanotechnologies.

By the co-production of these outputs, civil society organisations will contribute to the enhancement of more proper and sustainable future legislation about nanotechnologies.