Introduction Scientific and technological novelties have always been challenging for mankind. New technology brings with it numerous opportu- nities and great apprehension. In this context, there is a natural interest in emerging tech- nologies, such as biotech, cognitech and nano- tech. If, on the one hand, new technological applications normally offer increased oppor- tunities, higher living standards, and lead to the redefinition of social and cultural para- digms, on the other hand, as they lead to the breakdown of previous social rules, they always create a sensation of discomfort and insecu- rity. Research Section Technological trajectories and multidimensio- nal impacts: further remarks on the nanotech- nology industry Paulo Antônio Zawislak*,Luis Fernando Marques**, Priscila Esteves*** and Fernanda Rublescki**** The article discusses various views on the emergence and impacts of nanotechno- logy. It proposes a multidimensional framework for analyzing the different tech- nological, economical,environmental and social dimensions of nanotechnology. The research method consists of a three step investigation of both the positive and negative impacts of nanoscience and nanotechnology on different Brazilian sta- keholders. From the insights provided by a group of experts it was possible to design a survey instrument that was applied to 59 Brazilian nanobiotechnology researchers. The survey results show that,on the one hand,nanotechnology is expected to lead to economic development,product development,business competitiveness,greater job specialization, less pollution, improvements to the health system and exten- ded life expectancy. On the other hand,however,nanotechnology may cause spe- cific forms of contamination due to nanotechnological manipulation, more lay- offs, massive industrial restructuring,and other potential risks.Both perspectives would suggest the need for a regulatory framework to deal with the uncertainty and ensure a regular pathway for the stakeholders to be able to exploit this tech- nology to its full potential. * Graduate Center on Business Administration,School of Management,Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, PPGA/EA/UFRGS, Rua Washington Luiz, 855, Porto Alegre, RS, 90.010-000, Brazil, paz@ea.ufrgs.br ** Graduate Center on Business Administration,School of Management,Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, PPGA/EA/UFRGS, Rua Washington Luiz, 855, Porto Alegre, RS, 90.010-000, Brazil, lmarques@redemeta.com.br *** Graduate Center on Business Administration,School of Management,Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, PPGA/EA/UFRGS, Rua Washington Luiz, 855 , Porto Alegre, RS, 90.010-000, Brazil, priesteves@gmail.com **** Graduate Center on Business Administration,School of Management,Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, PPGA/EA/UFRGS, Rua Washington Luiz, 855, Porto Alegre, RS, 90.010-000, Brazil, fernandarbraga@hotmail.com Journal of Business Chemistry 2010, 7 (1) © 2010 Institute of Business Administration Technological trajectories and multidimensional impacts: further remarks on the nanotechnology industry 47