Convergence of Knowledge, Technology and Society: Beyond Convergence of Nano-Bio-Info-Cognitive Technologies (Science Policy Reports)

Annotation This volume aims to document the most important worldwide accomplishments in converging knowledge and technology, including converging platforms, methods of convergence, societal implications, and governance in the last ten years. Convergence in knowledge, technology, and society is the accelerating, transformative interaction among seemingly distinct scientific disciplines, technologies, and communities to achieve mutual compatibility, synergism, and integration, and through this process to create added value for societal benefit. It is a movement that is recognized by scientists and thought leaders around the world as having the potential to provide far-reaching solutions to many of today's complex knowledge, technology, and human development challenges. Four essential and interdependent convergence platforms of human activity are defined in the first part of this report: nanotechnology-biotechnology-information technology and cognitive science ("NBIC") foundational tools; Earth-scale environmental systems; human-scale activities; and convergence methods for societal-scale activities. The report then presents the main implications of convergence for human physical potential, cognition and communication, productivity and societal outcomes, education and physical infrastructure, sustainability, and innovative and responsible governance. As a whole, the report presents a new model for convergence. To effectively take advantage of this potential, a proactive governance approach is suggested. The study identifies an international opportunity to develop and apply convergence for technological, economic, environmental, and societal benefits. The panel also suggests an opportunity in the United States for implementing a program aimed at focusing disparate R and D energies into a coherent activity - a "Societal Convergence Initiative". This study received input from leading academic, industry, government, and NGO experts from the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia Convergence of knowledge and technology for the benefit of society (CKTS) is the core opportunity for progress in the 21st century, based on five principles: (1) the interdependence of all components of nature and society, (2) enhancement of creativity and innovation through evolutionary processes of convergence that combine existing principles, and divergence that generates new ones, (3) decision analysis for research and development based on system-logic deduction, (4) higher-level cross-domain languages to generate new solutions and support transfer of new knowledge, and (5) vision-inspired basic research embodied in grand challenges. Solutions are outlined for key societal challenges, including creating new industries and jobs, improving lifelong wellness and human potential, achieving personalized and integrated healthcare and education, and securing a sustainable quality of life for all. This report provides a ten-year "NBIC2" vision within a longer-term framework for converging technology and human progress that began with a previous study on "NBIC" fields: nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science (Roco and Bainbridge, 2003). This is truly an impressive body of work, which advances a transformative collection of concepts that could impact many areas of society and science. The ideas of this study are exciting. Tinsley Oden, University of Texas, Austin (April 2013) The CKTS study presents inspirational ideas behind the concept of convergence and identifies ground-breaking opportunities for human progress through such convergence. Christos Tokamanis, Nanotechnology and Converging Technologies, EU, Brussels (May 2013) The study provides a systematic and unified, internationally benchmarked framework for convergence that is relevant to policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and the general public. Jo-Won Lee, Hanyang University, Korea (June 2013) I consider .. the first NBIC study in 2001.. as an historical landmark that has caused a new dynamic in the reflection on these new technologies within the broad scientific and governmental community. Frank Theys, Co-producer for public broadcasters ZDF/ARTE, Germany & France (June 2013). Front Matter....Pages i-lvi Convergence Platforms: Foundational Science and Technology Tools....Pages 1-52 Convergence Platforms: Human-Scale Convergence and the Quality of Life....Pages 53-93 Convergence Platforms: Earth-Scale Systems....Pages 95-137 Methods to Improve and Expedite Convergence....Pages 139-184 Implications: Human Health and Physical Potential....Pages 185-222 Implications: Human Cognition and Communication and the Emergence of the Cognitive Society....Pages 223-253 Implications: Societal Collective Outcomes, Including Manufacturing....Pages 255-285 Implications: People and Physical Infrastructure....Pages 287-370 Implications: Convergence of Knowledge and Technology for a Sustainable Society....Pages 371-431 Innovative and Responsible Governance of Converging Technologies....Pages 433-489 Back Matter....Pages 491-558