While several studies on the public opinion of nanotechnology have pointed to a rather enthusiastic U.S. public, the public uptake of nanotechnology in Europe is more contained. The results of the Swiss publifocus on nanotechnology reveal a pragmatic attitude of citizens toward the emerging technologies, thus confirming what has been identified as a ''balanced approach'' in the NanoJury UK.

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Objectives and Methods: To review Switzerland's mixed public and private healthcare system with regard to health technology assessment (HTA).Results: In the past, remarkable work in HTA was done. Accomplishments include the following: (i) Switzerland became an early member of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment. (ii) HTA has its legal bases in terms of effectiveness, appropriateness, and efficiency. (iii) The federal law allows the introduction of new technologies for a limited time for evaluation. (iv) A Swiss Network for Health Technology Assessment was established. In 2004, federal HTA activities moved from the Swiss Federal Office “of Social Security” to the one for “Public Health.” The Office mainly mandates, manages, and coordinates evaluations attached to its prevention and intervention sections in the fields of AIDS, illegal drugs, and legal drugs.Conclusions: Because of the absence of a governmental institution assessing and reporting on new health technologies, private and for profit organizations became more important for the decision-making processes. In a regulated market, the implications may be crucial for the public health.

The aim of Working Group 2 has been to develop a system for routine exchange of information concerning ongoing or planned evaluations and their findings, priority setting, and emerging technology.

The Swiss Technology Assessment (TA) project on xenotransplantation is intended to study the opportunities and risks of this technique, recognizing the input of those involved in and those affected by it. This also implies taking into account the clinicoscientific, social, ethical, economic, and legal aspects. The situation in Switzerland is analyzed in depth, with reference to the acceptance, ethics, and existing federal legislation pertinent to xenotransplantation. Apart from consultation with experts from various specialized areas, a written questionnaire was sent to more than 100 organizations, institutions, companies, and individuals. The resulting assessments range from clear approval to complete rejection of the notion of xenotransplantation. Even acceptance was granted only on condition that criteria such as security (minimum risk of infection) and respect for human dignity and animal protection issues are respected. Such criteria are generally accepted, but if concrete conclusions must be drawn, we must recognize that opinions vary in today's discussions on ethics in Switzerland. It is commonly agreed that animals are not objects, but their precise status is not clear. Moreover, there are no patented ethical "recipes" for handling risks.