Models of Governance for a Socially Robust Development of Convergent Technologies Kamilla Kjølberg The Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities, University of Bergen, Norway

CONVERGING TECHNOLOGIES NBIC Nanotechnology Biotechnology Information technology Cognitive sciences

THE VISION OF NBIC: ’Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance’ U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored: World Technology Evaluation Center (WTEC) - The nation's leading resource for international technology assessments

Over the next 20 years synergies among converging NBIC technologies could allow such capabilities as: Direct human brain/machine connections, which would transform work in factories, vehicle control and even enable new sports and art forms; Computers and environmental sensors worn as part of everyday clothing, boosting personal awareness of health, potential hazards and even the location of desired local businesses; A more robust, healthy, energetic human body that will be easier to repair when necessary; Practically any structure will be made of tailored materials, able to adapt to changing situations and offer high energy efficiency while remaining environmentally friendly; Medical technologies and treatments for many physical and mental disabilities, perhaps completely eradicating some handicaps such as paralysis or blindness.

GOVERNING NBIC Desirable technological achievements, but clearly major ethical and societal issues that need to be discussed Uncertain impacts/ Complexity in terms of higher order effects / Complexity with respect to values, Conceptualization of the future Creates CHALLENGES FOR GOVERNANCE

GOVERNING NBIC: Socially robust development of convergent technologies calls for: inclusive governance, with dialogue and involvement in a civil society of well-informed and empowered citizens, stakeholders and scientists. conceptual framing that allows main ethical and social challenges of convergent technologies to be appropriately addressed

EXISTING REGULATION No regulation today, but a few semi-official reports: Europe: Converging Technologies and the Natural, Social and Cultural world USA: Convergent technologies for improving human performance

EXAMPLES OF MODELS International Risk Governance Council (IRGC) White Paper on Nanotechnology Post Normal Science (PNS) and extended peer community Ongoing Normative Assessment (ONA) Constructive Technology Assessment (CTA)

International Risk Governance Council (IRGC) Ortwin Renn and Mikail C. Roco White paper on Nanotechnology Four generations of risks (the two last CT) Integrating risk-benefit assessment with assessment of risk perception Corrective and adaptive approach

Post Normal Science (PNS) Silvio Funtowicz and Jerry Ravetz When a policy issue is complex, decision stakes are high and facts are uncertain and/or in dispute Extended peer community /public participation, also in the framing of the problem Politicisation (values) of the policy discourse Working deliberatively within imperfections

Ongoing Normative Assessment (ONA) Jean-Pierre Dupuy and Alexei Grinbaum Complexity; we will be surprised Time: Projected and occurring A prophecy that is likely enough to be believed and desirable enough to want to realise

Constructive Technology Assessment (CTA) Johan Schot and Arie Rip Methods for broader decision-making about science and technology in society ( The Dutch policy Memorandum of 1984 ). Public deliberation and feedback

The CT- reports in light of the models Uncertainty Complexity and second order effects Complexity and Values The future Democracy/ Inclusive governance/real involvement