Alternative energy in the conditions of cross-border environmental risks and nanotechnology: The geography of economic and legal development

Abstract

The economic and legal development of society in recent decades is subject to the two bright trends of cross-border nature: first, these are the parallel processes of globalization and expansion of international integration relations – both global and regional ones – erasing the geographically defined boundaries of state jurisdiction, and secondly, it is the formation of the innovative type of economy – the knowledge economy, which is based on intellectual resources and high technology, including nanotechnology. Despite the progressive effects of these trends on the economy and competitiveness of the state, the list of possible negative consequences, unfortunately, inevitably includes serious environmental risks, which, in turn, significantly complicate the implementation of the concept of sustainable economic development. Meanwhile, the same nanotechnology activity can simultaneously act as a source of environmental risks, as well as an instrument for their neutralization or at least minimization. Thus, one of the ways to reduce cross-border environmental risks can be the use of nanotechnology developments in the production sector, for example, in the electrical industry including an alternative one. In this regard, the paper discusses the latest nanotechnology developments, which are overseen by AO “RUSNANO” (hereinafter – RUSNANO) and the Fund of Infrastructural and Educational Programs (FIOP), aimed at preventing and minimizing the effects of environmental harm, contributing to the economy of natural resources and efficient utilization of industrial waste. The recommendations on streamlining the state system of organizational, financial, legislative and infrastructural measures for nanotechnology development of the alternative energy sector are formulated.