Embedding New Technologies into Society: Bridging the Science-Society Chasm

The integration of new technologies into society is a complex and challenging process. The evolving state of scientific art, unquantifiable risks, and ill-defined developmental trajectories can hinder innovation and commercial success. However, various tools can be utilized by stakeholders to bridge the gap between science and societal dimensions. This edited volume brings together leading researchers from law, philosophy, political science, public administration, and the natural sciences to demonstrate how tools such as constructive technology assessment, regulatory governance, and societal scenarios can be employed to successfully embed new technologies into society.

This volume focuses primarily on the embedding of two emergent and emerging technologies: nanotechnologies and synthetic biology. Government, industry, and the epistemic community continue to struggle with balancing the promised benefits of an emerging technology with concerns about its potential impacts. There is a growing body of literature that has examined these challenges from various cultural, scientific, and jurisdictional dimensions. However, much work remains to be done, including articulating the successes and failures of attempts to embed technologies and their associated products into society.

This edited volume is significant and timely, as it draws from real-world experiences and experiments designed to anticipate the societal embedding of emerging technologies. This empirical work is supported by robust theoretical underpinnings. The book provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating new technologies into society, making it a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

Details:

Pages: 404

Publisher: Pan Stanford; 1 edition (August 14, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 981474574X

ISBN-13: 978-9814745741