Generalised methodology for ethical assessment of emerging technologies

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What is this about?

The SIENNA D6.1 report presents a generalized methodology for the ethical assessment of emerging technologies, developed as part of the SIENNA project’s work on ethics and human rights in technology innovation. The methodology is structured into seven key steps: the first four focus on defining the technology’s subject, aim and scope, while engaging in conceptual analysis and description; the last three provide ethical analysis with both descriptive and normative components. Combined with methods like foresight analysis, social and environmental impact assessment (SIA), and stakeholder engagement, this framework helps analysts comprehensively assess ethical issues associated with new or emerging technologies. The report also situates this approach within the wider landscape of technology and impact assessment methodologies, illustrating its application across different technology domains to ensure thorough and responsible evaluation.

Why is this important?

The D6.1 methodology is important because emerging technologies often outpace regulatory and ethical frameworks, creating risks that traditional assessments might overlook. By offering a systematic, multi-step ethical evaluation process, it equips researchers, developers, and policymakers with a robust tool to identify potential harms and societal impacts early and to incorporate ethical reflection into technology design and governance. Ethical assessment frameworks like this support anticipation of unintended consequences, improve stakeholder engagement, and promote socially beneficial innovation. In doing so, they help align technological progress with human rights, societal values, and sustainable development goals, which is particularly vital in contexts where rapid technological change can affect privacy, equality, safety, and public trust.

For whom is this important?

Policymakers and regulatory authoritiesResearch institutions and research ethics committeesDevelopers and technologists working on emerging technologiesStandardisation and governance organisationsCivil society organisations and NGOs

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