(EDIT: With the help of Thomas Grimshaw I synthesized his presentation in a better way. One key presentation for us the citizen, and for us the innovators)
Thomas Grimshaw’s presentation, in line with presentations done previously, propose a plan for policymaking around LENR science and technology.
The proposal is first to reconsider current policy (of rejection), as there are new elements which can be classified in 4 lines of arguments: large body of evidence, variety of researchers, emergence of explanations, and new developments (e.g., many new proposed LENR devices,...).
The plan proposes to update both a policy to support LENR technology, and a policy to mitigate impacts of LENR, and to integrate them coherently.
The first policy to support LENR should be based on Evidence: Evidence-based policymaking.
Proposed normalized terms for "Levels of Evidence", are "Preponderance of Evidence" (>50%) , "Clear and Conclusive Evidence" (>70%) and "Beyond any Reasonable Doubt" (>90%).
One has to match these levels of evidence with possible LENR research policy: stopping current research (improbable), "business as usual" with ostracization, reinstating LENR comparable to other emerging technologies research, providing "enhanced support" (like hot fusion), or launching a "crash program" (Manhattan project).
The policy response should match the level of evidence. The response to PoE should be reinstatement, to CCE should be enhanced support and to BRD a crash program. The level of evidence is at least PoE, so the response is reinstatement at a minimum.
Independently of policy updates for LENR support, a "Technology Assessment for Impact Mitigation" should be launched.
LENR will be a disruptive technology, and will have many direct effects (on energy-related industries) and indirect effects (on society, finance, workforces, tax revenues).
Technology Assessment is a well established methodology for addressing secondary impacts.
The analysis phase, start by analysing impacts, determining affected parties, develop mitigation strategies, identify sources of assistances (agencies), engage representatives for the various parties, define mitigation measures, and finally develop the mitigation plan.
Then the most subtle work starts: to integrate LENR policies.
Coordination has to be done according to different aspects of LENR policy, like between the support and the mitigation policies, among public and private actors, among various agencies, and across the nations in the world.
One requirement also is to adapt the mitigation policy to the progress of LENR technology development.
Coordinating the public agencies of individual nations is another LENR policy aspect. The policy of intellectual property is a key factor between public and private actors. Public-private partnerships (PPPs), technology transfer programs, small business R&D support, and informed international trade policies are other examples. The objective is to engage the power of the private sector while also addressing market failures.
The result is a Unified Integrated Policy, which have many advantages...
It is more efficient, cost-effective, avoiding cross-purpose, conflicts.
It should be more objective than politically-based, promoting more social equity and increasing public welfare.
LENR policy changes will not be easy as things will change fast in LENR and the policy have to be adapted to a changing landscape.
