Governance Challenges of Technological Systems Convergence.
Whitman, Jim R.
Whitman, Jim R.
Publication Date
2006
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Additional title
Abstract
The convergence of several technological systems (especially nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and robotics) has now been adopted as a strategic goal by several countries, most notably the United States and those of the European Union. The anticipated benefits and related fears of competitive disadvantage have brought together a wide range of interested parties, governmental and nongovernmental. In the rush to enter and/or dominate this arena, the benign promise of converging technologies (CT) are highlighted, although a range of risks and less welcome (if difficult to quantify) implications are at best understated. What, then, are the prospects for exercising governance over the technological systems we are busy creating¿and the uses to which they might be put? What will it mean to speak of "global governance" in a world in which the technological promise of CT has been fulfilled?
Version
published version paper
Citation
Whitman, J.R. (2006) Governance Challenges of Technological Systems Convergence. Bulletin of Science Technology and Society. Vol. 26, No. 5, pp. 398-409.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Article