| Nanotechnology is rapidly evolving and replacing existing industries with new markets and new materials, such as nanomaterials. Nascent and evolving stages of this innovative atomic scale product is globally expanding into multidisciplinary areas including aerospace, chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, sports, food, and clothing industries. As an emerging technology, the technology is outpacing the knowledge of nanomaterial properties, and the dilemma of controlling immature processes challenges safety forecasts with traditional, linear decision-making models. Nanotechnology experts who participated in the study identified current and traditional linear decision-making model deficiencies for predicting environmental safety in the emerging technology. Three logical conclusions included the inadequacy of current and traditional decision-making models. Ineffective models require replacement and a support research framework with an alternative decision-making model. Five essential component assessments for current decision-making models introduced a framework for an alternative decision-making model. The significance of organizational and global leadership suggests new methods for effective decision-making. The purpose of the qualitative, modified Delphi study was to develop a framework for an alternative decision-making model for emerging technology leaders in the 21st century. |
