Framework for Anticipatory Governance of Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies can contribute to unprecedented gains in health, energy, climate,
food systems, and biodiversity. However, these technologies and their convergence
sometimes carry risks to privacy, security, equity and human rights. This dual-edged
nature of emerging technology requires policies that better anticipate disruptions
and enable technology development for economic prosperity, resilience, security and
sustainable development. Drawing on prior OECD work and legal instruments, this framework
equips governments, other innovation actors and societies to anticipate and get ahead
of governance challenges, and build longer-term capacities to shape innovation more
effectively. Its “anticipatory technology governance” approach consists of five interdependent
elements and associated governance tools: (1) embeding values throughout the innovation
process; (2) enhancing foresight and technology assessment; (3) engaging stakeholders
and society; (4) building regulation that is agile and adaptive; and (5) reinforcing
international cooperation in science and norm-making. The emerging technology context
determines how each of these elements is applied.
Published on April 24, 2024Also available in: French
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