ISGP Backgrounder
Summary
As the second decade of the 21st century opens, most societies are facing difficult decisions concerning how to appropriately use, or reject, the dramatic new opportunities offered by modern scientific advances and the technologies that emanate from them. Advanced scientific research programs, as well as commercially viable technologies, are now developed globally. As a consequence, many societal issues related to science and technology (S&T) necessarily involve both domestic and international policy decisions, both in the public and private sectors. The daunting challenges to simultaneously recognize immediate technological opportunities, while identifying those emerging and “at-the-horizon” S&T achievements that foreshadow transformational advantages and risks within specific societies, are now fundamental governmental responsibilities.
These responsibilities are especially complex since policy makers must consider the demands of different segments of society that often have conflicting goals. For example, policy decisions must balance critical commercial interests that promote economic prosperity with the cultural sensitivities that often determine if, and how, S&T can be successfully integrated into any society. Many of our most significant geopolitical policy and security issues are directly connected with the remarkably rapid and profound S&T accomplishments of our time. Consequently, it is increasingly important that the S&T and policy communities (public and private) communicate effectively. With a seemingly unlimited number of urgent S&T challenges, both wealthy and less-wealthy societies need their most accomplished members to focus on effective, real-world solutions relevant to their specific circumstances.
Some of the most prominent challenges involve (i) infectious diseases and pandemics, (ii) environmentally compatible energy sources, (iii) the consequences of climate change, (iv) food safety, security, and defense (v) the cultural impact of stem cell applications, (vi) nanotechnology and human health, (vii) cyber security for advanced telecommunication, (viii) the security implications of quantum computing, and (ix) the cultural radicalization of societies. Recent history suggests that most societies would benefit from improving the effectiveness of how scientifically credible information is used to formulate and implement governmental policies, both domestic and international. Specifically, there is a critical need to have the relevant S&T information concisely presented to policy communities in an environment that promotes candid questions and debates led by those nonexperts directly engaged in policy decisions. Such discussions, sequestered away from publicity, can help to clarify the advantages and potential risks of realistic S&T options directly relevant to the challenges being faced. Eventually, this same degree of understanding, confidence, and acknowledgment of risk must be communicated to the public to obtain the broad societal support needed to effectively implement any decision.
