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Progress in Governance of Converging Technologies Integrated from the Nanoscale
Author(s) -
ROCO MIHAIL C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1196/annals.1382.002
Subject(s) - transformative learning , transparency (behavior) , emerging technologies , corporate governance , responsible research and innovation , business , knowledge management , engineering ethics , public relations , political science , engineering , sociology , computer science , computer security , pedagogy , finance , artificial intelligence
It is expected that convergence of nanotechnology, modern biology, the digital revolution, and cognitive sciences will bring about tremendous improvements in transformative tools, generate new products and services, enable human personal abilities and social achievements, and in time reshape societal relationships. This article focuses on the progress made in governance of such converging, emerging technologies that are integrated with more traditional technologies. The proposed framework for governance calls for several key functions: supporting the transformative impact; advancing responsible development that includes health, safety, and ethical concerns; encouraging national and global partnerships; and commitment to long‐term planning with effects on human development. Principles of good governance include participation of all those involved or affected by the new technologies, transparency, participant responsibility, and effective strategic planning. Introduction and management of converging technologies must be done with respect for immediate concerns (such as information technology privacy, access to medical advancements, and addressing toxicity of new nanomaterials) and longer‐term concerns (such as human development and concern for human integrity, dignity, and welfare). Four levels of governance of converging technologies have been identified: ( a ) adapting existing regulations and organizations; ( b ) establishing new programs, regulations, and organizations specifically to handle converging technologies; ( c ) national policies and institutional capacity building; and ( d ) international agreements and partnerships.