State-of-play and future trends on the development of oversight frameworks for emerging technologies

What is the issue?

Developments in technology are transforming our world, creating a future that is uncertain with unfulfilled potential for both benefits and risks. As technologies become more pervasive and form a critical aspect of our societal infrastructure, governance and wider oversight mechanisms have a key role to play in ensuring that benefits from technology are maximised while risks are managed proactively. The goal of technology oversight is to ensure that technology is developed, deployed and used in a responsible and ethical manner, and that it does not pose undue risks or harm to individuals or society as a whole. Oversight of developments in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology, via various mechanisms, is a crucial factor underpinning the impact of these technologies on research and innovation (R&I) systems, health and the environment. Therefore, a clear understanding of current and future oversight mechanisms in emerging science and technology across the globe is essential for effectively conducting research and innovation. This understanding also ensures that the outcomes can provide benefits to society.

How did we help?

Wellcome commissioned RAND Europe to study the current state and future trends of oversight frameworks for emerging technologies, including engineering biology, human embryology, neurotechnology and organoids, as well as data platforms and AI (specifically its application and use as a research tool). The study aimed to identify and analyse oversight frameworks in use, development, or under debate in different jurisdictions across the globe. The study was designed to inform a range of policy and research-focused stakeholders, offering a suite of tangible emerging and established oversight examples that can inspire future emerging technology oversight.

This study uses an expansive interpretation of technology oversight. For each technology area, a variety of oversight frameworks are mapped and examined, covering a spectrum of options with differing levels of accountability, obligation and enforcement. These range from mechanisms such as legislation, regulations and treaties to non-regulatory standards, codes of conduct, ethical guidelines and declarations.

The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining desk research, scientometric analysis, stakeholder interviews, case studies, a strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis, and an online expert elicitation exercise.

What did we find?

The study findings are presented in two related documents which should be read alongside each other:

• The global technology landscape review report, which provides an in-depth analysis of global R&I developments occurring within each technology area, identifying key trends, challenges and opportunities; and
• The technology oversight report, which examines notable oversight mechanisms that are either established or under development across a selection of global jurisdictions, offering key learning and insights that could inform future technology oversight discussions.

An extended summary (PDF) has also been developed that encapsulates the key findings from both reports.

A series of 16 overview vignettes have been developed as part of this study, outlining prominent technology oversight developments in four globally influential jurisdictions that are often at the leading edge of technology developments and governance debates: the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union (EU) and international forums. The overviews provide a holistic view of oversight taking place in these jurisdictions. These were supplemented by 12 case study vignettes detailing additional examples of technology oversight mechanisms across the globe. These offer evidence from a diverse selection of specific use cases of both emerging and established technology oversight in different cultural and social contexts. Collectively, these vignettes provide a deeper insight into the key oversight conversations occurring, and pinpoint areas where relevant stakeholders might effectively contribute.

The study underscores the transformative potential of such emerging technologies, while specifically highlighting the associated ethical, regulatory and societal challenges. Effective oversight mechanisms that encompass a range of informal (i.e. not legally binding) and formal and legally binding approaches are crucial for harnessing the benefits of these technologies, and at the same time mitigating risks and keeping issues such as privacy and safety at the forefront. Many such instruments are either in place or in development, and fill critical gaps, as well as expose others.

What can be done?

The study proposes eight priority considerations for stakeholders engaged in technology R&I, to support the development of the broader R&I and technology oversight ecosystem in the future. These priority considerations – as a set of cross-cutting actions – are also relevant for a wider audience, encompassing individuals and groups with a vested interest in the oversight of emerging technologies such as policymakers, industry professionals, funders, researchers and the public.

• Priority consideration 1: Develop comprehensive process maps and establish networks of interconnected oversight mechanisms to support stakeholders in effectively navigating the labyrinth of relevant mechanisms in the technology oversight landscape.
• Priority consideration 2: Ensure that equity considerations are prioritised and integrated into all aspects of technology oversight to promote fairness and inclusivity.
• Priority consideration 3: Identify and establish common ground for practical and actionable international alignment to harmonise governance practices across borders.
• Priority consideration 4: Intensify efforts to develop internationally coordinated risk mitigation strategies as part of implementing oversight mechanisms to address global challenges posed by emerging technologies.
• Priority consideration 5: Support the implementation and scaling of innovative oversight mechanisms to effectively manage the complexities and dynamics of emerging technologies.
• Priority consideration 6: Facilitate proactive public involvement in the development of oversight frameworks to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Priority consideration 7: Incorporate adaptive practices into oversight processes to foster continuous learning, flexibility and agility in response to technological advancements.
• Priority consideration 8: Integrate anticipatory strategies into oversight frameworks to prepare for and address future developments in emerging technologies.

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