As part of the current debate on the opportunities and risks of nanotechnological applica-tions, the debate on possible contributions to sustainable development is becoming increas-ingly controversial. It should rather be conducted on a more objective level. This objectifica-tion, however, can only be achieved on a case-specific basis, performing – as quantitatively as possible – a risk-and-benefit analysis targeted towards the total life-cycle. The metho-dological basis for such a systemic view, however, is still largely lacking.