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Deliverable | 20 November 2023

Anticipation of societal embedding of new and emerging technologies

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Deliverable
Anticipation of societal embedding of new and emerging technologies: using scenarios to explore public awareness and attitudes in climate engineering, digital extended reality and neurotechnologies

Policy brief | 30 October 2023

In short

This deliverable sheds light on the intricate landscape of societal integration for new and emerging technologies like neurotechnology, digital extended reality, and climate engineering. Notably, the document delves into the public’s awareness and attitudes surrounding these technologies.

The findings underline the importance of anticipating societal responses to innovations, emphasizing values such as equity, reliability, and the well-being of both people and the planet. The document also advocates for justifying research and innovation investments by addressing the expectations, concerns, and aspirations of a vast array of stakeholder groups.

Find out more about our conclusions by downloading the deliverable.

Author

Eva Buchinger, Michael J. Bernstein, Masafumi Nishi, Wenzel Mehnert, and Alexandra Csabi.

Date of publication

20 November 2023

Status

Draft version submitted to the European Commission for review

Cite this resource

Buchinger E, Bernstein MJ, Nishi M, Mehnert W, Csabi A (2023). D3.4 Anticipation of societal embedding of new and emerging technologies: Using scenarios to explore public awareness and attitudes in climate engineering, digital extended reality and neurotechnologies. TechEthos Project Deliverable to the European Commission. Available at: www.techethos.eu.

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Policy Brief | 06 November 2023

XR and General Purpose AI: from values and principles to norms and standards

Written by admin_tech_ethos_strong on . Posted in Deliverable (main), Deliverable + Policy brief, Policy brief, Resource.

Policy brief
XR and General Purpose AI: from values and principles to norms and standards

Policy brief | 30 October 2023

In short

This policy brief explores the ethical challenges of eXtended Reality (XR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) within the expansive realm of General Purpose Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This brief, addressed to EU policymakers and global stakeholders, delves into human-machine dynamics, ethical data usage, and the urgent need for operational norms and standards in the AI domain.

The document offers important recommendations to enhance ethical practices concerning these emerging technologies and addresses issues like transparency, manipulation risks, user dignity, responsibility, autonomy levels, equitable labor conditions, decency in Generative AI, environmental impacts, and privacy concerns.

Find out more about each recommendation by downloading the policy brief below.

Author

Laurynas Adomaitis (CEA), Alexei Grinbaum (CEA).

Date of publication

06 November 2023

Cite this resource

TechEthos (2023) XR and General Purpose AI: from values and principles to norms and standards. Deliverable to the European Commission. Available at: www.techethos.eu.

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Deliverable | 28 October 2023

Criteria for ethical review by RECs in emerging technology research

Written by admin_tech_ethos_strong on . Posted in Deliverable (main), Resource.

Deliverable
Criteria for ethical review by RECs in emerging technology research

Deliverable | 28 October 2023

In short

This deliverable underlines the complexities of ethical review processes within Research Ethics Committees (RECs) concerning emerging technologies like neurotechnology (NT), digital extended reality (DXR), and climate engineering (CE).

Thanks to a comprehensive methodology involving literature review, REC member surveys, and expert workshops, the report identifies critical challenges faced by RECs. These challenges comprise both structural aspects (e.g., limitations in scope and expertise) and topical elements (including the assessment of fairness, autonomy, and private sector involvement)

The document provides vital recommendations aimed at enhancing REC capabilities and promoting ethical research practices in the realm of new and emerging technologies.

Authors

Carly Seedall (EUREC Office), Tom Lindemann (EUREC), Renate Klar (EUREC), Lisa Tambornino (EUREC).

Date of publication

28 October 2023

Status

Draft version submitted to the European Commission for review

Cite this resource

Seedall, C., Lindemann, T., Klar, R., Tambornino, L., (2023). Criteria for ethical review by RECs in emerging technology research. TechEthos Project Deliverable. Available at: www.techethos.eu.

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Policy brief | 30 October 2023

Key messages for the ethical governance of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) research

Written by admin_tech_ethos_strong on . Posted in Deliverable (main), Deliverable + Policy brief, Policy brief, Resource.

Policy brief
Key messages for the ethical governance of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) research

Policy brief | 30 October 2023

In short

Solar Radiation Modification (SRM), a type of climate engineering technique aimed at mitigating atmospheric heating by reflecting sunlight and heat back into space.

Tailored for EU policymakers and global stakeholders, this policy brief emphasizes ethical governance, international collaboration, and public engagement in SRM research.

To ensure responsible, just and sustainable SRM research, TechEthos project encourages EU policymakers to:

  • Define SRM Field Testing, Deployment, and SRM Research on an international level;
  • Formulate transparent and accountable EU Research Policy through politically legitimate bodies;
  • Adopt a precautionary approach guided by ethical considerations when assessing the risks of SRM research policy programs;
  • Include normative values like legitimacy and global justice in assessing SRM implications for human rights.

Find out more about each recommendation by downloading the policy brief below.

Author

Bennet Francis, Dominic Lenzi, Michel Bourban.

Date of publication

30 October 2023

Cite this resource

TechEthos (2023) Key messages for the ethical governance of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) research. Deliverable to the European Commission. Available at: www.techethos.eu.

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Policy brief | 30 October 2023

Key messages for the ethical governance of neurotechnologies

Written by admin_tech_ethos_strong on . Posted in Deliverable (main), Deliverable + Policy brief, Policy brief, Resource.

Policy brief
Key messages for the ethical governance of neurotechnologies

Policy brief | 30 October 2023

In short

Neurotechnologies, delving into direct neural system interaction, needs ethical governance. This policy brief outlines recommendations for EU policymakers involved in legislation on neurotechnologies, medical devices, dual-use items, privacy, data protection, and AI systems.

To ensure ethical, legal, and fundamental rights in neurotechnology development, this briefs details the following key messages:

  • Recognize and define neurorights by incorporating them within existing EU fundamental frameworks;
  • Address justice, equality, and discrimination gaps in relation to neurotechnology applications and use cases;
  • Monitor and evaluate regulatory frameworks by assessing adequacy of existing regulations for emerging neurotechnology use cases, including consumer and dual-use applications;
  • Consider Appropriate Legal Instruments to regulate neurotechnologies in the EU;
  • Clarify regulation of AI-based neurotechnologies, specifically addressing use cases under the proposed AI Act.

Find out more about each recommendation by downloading the policy brief below.

Author

Michael J. Bernstein, Wenzel Mehnert, Masafumi Nishi, Renata Mandzhieva, Alexandra Csabi, Eva Buchinger.

Date of publication

30 October 2023

Cite this resource

TechEthos (2023) Key messages on ethical values and principles for neurotechnology development and use. Deliverable to the European Commission. Available at: www.techethos.eu.

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Policy brief | 30 October 2023

Key messages for the ethical governance of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)

Written by admin_tech_ethos_strong on . Posted in Deliverable (main), Deliverable + Policy brief, Policy brief, Resource.

Policy brief
Key messages for the ethical governance of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)

Policy brief | 30 October 2023

In short

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is a pivotal climate engineering technique aiming to mitigate climate change by removing atmospheric CO2 and storing it in geological, terrestrial, or oceanic reservoirs. TechEthos, in its policy brief, delves into the regulatory challenges within EU laws and policies surrounding CDR. Addressed to European Union (EU) policymakers and officials engaged in climate-related initiatives, the recommendations are crafted to ensure ethical, rights-based, and sustainable development of CDR.

To ensure it, TechEthos project encourages EU policymakers to:

  • Define the legal status of carbon removals, distinguishing them from emission reductions;
  • Advocate for harmonized terms, aligning with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for clarity in discussions on climate engineering, geoengineering, carbon removal, and CDR;
  • Seek clarity on CDR’s role in achieving the EU’s binding net-zero target by 2050;
  • Explicitly include EU fundamental rights in policies and decision-making processes governing CDR techniques;
  • Outline sustainability requirements for CDR, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EU Taxonomy Regulation, and the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) initiative;
  • Promote international collaboration for standardized removal accounting to prevent double counting, ensuring global enforcement;
  • Review the adequacy of environmental liability regimes concerning CDR activities, including research and deployment.

Find out more about each recommendation by downloading the policy brief below.

Author

Bennet Francis, Dominic Lenzi, Michel Bourban.

Date of publication

30 October 2023

Cite this resource

TechEthos (2023) Key messages for the ethical governance of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). Deliverable to the European Commission. Available at: www.techethos.eu.

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Deliverable | 30 September 2023

Suggestions for the revision of existing operational guidelines for emerging technologies

Written by admin_tech_ethos_strong on . Posted in Deliverable (main), Resource.

Publication
Suggestions for the revision of existing operational guidelines for climate engineering, neurotechnologies, and digital XR technologies

Deliverable | 20 July 2023

In short

This report scrutinizes current ethical guidelines for three new and emerging technologies (Climate Engineering Technologies, Digital Extended Reality, and Neurotechnologies) and proposes targeted improvements – based on the technology functions, applications, and socio-economic impacts.

The document proposes a series of key recommendations that can be used for proposed improvements to guidelines.

  • Bespoke Governance: Establish relevant administrative bodies for guideline application, with training and support.
  • Diverse Stakeholder Participation: Facilitate engagement across stakeholders, fostering co-creation and co-decision making.
  • Impact Testing: Assess guideline efficacy with real-world examples to ensure practical outcomes.
  • Inter-Sector Skills Exchange: Institutionalize collaboration between technology providers and policymakers.
  • Responsibility to the Future: Prioritize responsible forecasting, ethical defensibility, and sustainability.
  • Social and Communicative Awareness: Cultivate social awareness among developers, enhancing accessibility and feedback.

Find out more about each recommendation by downloading the policy brief below.

Author

Sara Cannizzaro (DMU), Laurence Brooks (DMU), Kathleen Richardson (DMU), Nitika Bhalla (DMU), Bennet Francis (UT), Dominic Lenzi (UT)

Date of publication

30 September 2023

Status

Draft version submitted to the European Commission for review

Cite this resource

Cannizzaro, S., Bhalla, N., Brooks, L., Richardson, K., Francis, B. and Lenzi, D. (2023), TechEthos Deliverable D5.3: Suggestions for the revision of existing operational guidelines for climate engineering, neurotechnologies and digital XR technologies. Available at www.techethos.eu

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Deliverable | 30 June 2023

Enhancement of ethical frameworks and outline of detailed ethics framework

Written by admin_tech_ethos_strong on . Posted in Deliverable (main), Resource.

Deliverable

Enhancement of ethical frameworks and outline of detailed ethics framework

Deliverable | 30 June 202

In short

This report outlines the enhanced ethical framework, known as the ‘TechEthos Anticipatory ethics Matrix’ (TEAeM). TEAeM offers a systematic approach for researchers, academics, and policy makers to assess and address ethical concerns related to emerging technologies by combining empirical studies from the TechEthos methodology.

The methodology for ethical framework development is discussed, outlining the ethical frameworks to be considered for enhancement. Next the ethical frameworks are selected to be enhanced for emerging technologies following an ATE approach, Future Studies approach, and an Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA). Lastly, the framework that supports the ethical governance of new technologies is presented.

Author

Nitika Bhalla (DMU), Sara Cannizzaro (DMU) Kathleen Richardson
(DMU), Laurence Brooks (Sheffield/DMU)

Date of publication

30 June 2023

Status

Draft version submitted to the European Commission for review

Cite this resource

Bhalla, N., Cannizzaro, S., Richardson, K., and Brooks, L., (2023), TechEthos Deliverable D5.1: Enhancement
of Ethical Frameworks and Outline of Detailed Ethics Framework. Available at: www.techethos.eu

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Deliverable | 30 June 2023

Multi-stakeholder evolution of TechEthos scenarios

Written by admin_tech_ethos_strong on . Posted in Deliverable (main), Resource.

Deliverable
Multi-stakeholder evolution of TechEthos scenarios on ethical issues in climate engineering, digital extended reality and neurotechnologies

Publication | 26 May 2023

In short

In this report, scenarios are used to explore ethical implications of emerging technologies, engaging stakeholders’ awareness and values. The report outlines a multi-stage, multi-stakeholder methodology applied in climate engineering, digital extended reality, and neurotechnologies. Scenarios stimulate reflections, while experts and citizens contribute their perspectives. Three stages involve scenario creation, expert enrichment, and citizen enrichment via game-based methodology and workshops. Findings are categorized by STEEPV dimensions, guiding ethical guidelines for each technology family. Addressing equity, reliability, and environmental sustainability, the report adds to the empirical study of ethical concerns at the intersection of foresight and ethical assessment of emerging technologies.

Authors

Eva Buchinger, Wenzel Mehnert, Alexandra Csábi, Masafumi Nishi, Michael J. Bernstein (AIT), Gustavo Gonzales, Andrea Porcari (AIRI), Alexei Grinbaum, Laurynas Adomaitis (CEA), Dominic Lenzi (UT), Stephen Rainey, Steven Umbrello, Pieter Vermaas (TUD), Cristina Paca, Greta Alliaj, Andrew Whittington-Davis (ECSITE) 

Date of publication

26 May 2023

Status

Final version submitted to the European Commission for review as D3.1

Cite this resource

Buchinger E, Mehnert W, Csabi A, Nishi M, Bernstein MJ, Gonzales G, Porcari A, Grinbaum A, Adomaitis L, Lenzi D, Rainey S, Umbrello S, Vermaas P, Paca C, Alliaj G, Whittington-Davis A (2023). D3.1 Evolution of advanced TechEthos scenarios. TechEthos Project Deliverable to the European Commission. Available at: www.techethos.eu

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Deliverable | 30 June 2023

Enhancing legal frameworks at the national and international level

Written by admin_tech_ethos_strong on . Posted in Deliverable (main), Resource.

Deliverable

Enhancing legal frameworks at the national and international level

Publication | 30 July 2022

In short

Recommendations for enhancing national and international legal frameworks are provided in this report. The regulatory challenges discussed were identified through the TechEthos legal analysis of international and European Union (EU) law, as well as national legal case studies. The report aims to inform policymakers at the international level, such as the United Nations (UN), and national governments on necessary changes in existing legal frameworks.

The recommendations are based on legal principles, ethical considerations, and input from TechEthos consortium partners and the Advisory and Impact Board (ADIM Board). The report also outlines the conditions required for implementing the suggested changes.

Author

Julie Vinders, Trilateral Research (TRI)

Date of publication

29 June 2023

Status

Draft version submitted to the European Commission for review

Cite this resource

Vinders, J. (2023). Enhancing legal frameworks at the national and international level. Deliverable 5.2 for the European Commission. TechEthos Project Deliverable. Available at: www.techethos.eu

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