Knowledge, Information, and Data Readiness Levels (KaRLs) for Risk Assessment, Communication, and Governance of Nano‐, New, and Other Advanced Materials

Abstract

The obvious benefits derived from the increasing use of engineered nano‐, new, and advanced materials and associated products have to be weighed out by a governance process against their possible risks. Differences in risk perception (beliefs about potential harm) among stakeholders, in particular nonscientists, and low transparency of the underlying decision processes can lead to a lack of support and acceptance of nano‐, new, and other advanced material enabled products. To integrate scientific outcomes with stakeholders needs, this work develops a new approach comprising a nine‐level, stepwise categorization and guidance system entitled “Knowledge, Information, and Data Readiness Levels” (KaRLs), analogous to the NASA Technology Readiness Levels. The KaRL system assesses the type, extent, and usability of the available data, information, and knowledge and integrates the participation of relevant and interested stakeholders in a cocreation/codesign process to improve current risk assessment, communication, and governance. The novelty of the new system is to communicate and share all available and relevant elements on material related risks in a user/stakeholder‐friendly, transparent, flexible, and holistic way and so stimulate reflection, awareness, communication, and a deeper understanding that ultimately enables the discursive process that is needed for the sustainable risk governance of new materials.

Abstract

This paper describes the “Knowledge, Information, and Data Readiness Levels” (KaRL) system for data/knowledge categorization (readiness), which provides a way to align data, information, and knowledge about chemical/material risks with societal needs, values, and requirements. This is accomplished, in part, by integrating all relevant stakeholders at an early stage to propose decisions for risk governance and support safe and sustainable‐by‐design efforts.