TRAAC A tool to quantify the readiness of tools and methods towards their wider regulatory acceptance and use
The TRAAC framework is developed to quantify the readiness of different tools and methods towards their wider regulatory acceptance and downstream use by different stakeholders. The framework diagnoses barriers which hinder regulatory acceptance and wider usability of a tool/method. It is based on their Transparency, Reliability, Accessibility, Applicability and Completeness (TRAAC).
TRAAC is a publicly available online tool (from May 1st, 2024 onwards).
There has been an increasing use of manufactured nanomaterials in industrial applications and consumer products. It has instigated concerns about the sustainability, risks and uncertainties regarding the interactions of the nanomaterials with humans and the environment. Consequently, significant resources in Europe have been invested into tool and method development to support risk mitigation and management, facilitating the research and innovation process of manufactured nanomaterials. Extended risk analysis, including socio-economic impact and sustainability assessment is moving the conventional risk-based approach towards a wider safety-and-sustainability-by-design perspective.
Despite growing tool and method developments, the level of awareness and use by stakeholders is still limited. Regulatory compliance and acceptance, reliability and trust, user-friendliness and compatibility with the users’ needs are important factors traditionally known to hinder their widespread use. Therefore, a framework is developed to quantify the readiness of different tools and methods towards their wider regulatory acceptance and downstream use by different stakeholders. The framework diagnoses barriers which hinder regulatory acceptance and wider usability of a tool/method based on their Transparency, Reliability, Accessibility, Applicability and Completeness (TRAAC framework).
The TRAAC concept and methodology was built within Gov4Nano; online tool implementation was realised within Harmless (EU-funded H2020 Research & Innovation Action addressing Safe-by-Design of multicomponent nanomaterials).
For more details on its methodology and proof of concept, please refer to https://doi.org/10.1016/j.impact.2023.100461