Coordinating technology governance

A new institutional mechanism called Governance Coordination Committee (GCC) is needed to serve as an issue manager to coordinate and inform responses to emerging technologies with powerful social implications. It would act like an orchestra conductor and attempt to harmonize and integrate the various governance approaches that have been implemented or proposed. Its functions would be wide-ranging. In monitoring the development of a technology, the GCC would give particular attention to underscoring the gaps in the existing regulatory regime that pose serious risks. It would search, in concert with the various stakeholders, methods to address those gaps and risks. GCC could provide a forum for stakeholders to deliberate on governance issues and to produce recommendations, reports, and roadmaps. And the GCC would serve as a trusted source for stakeholders, the media, and the public to acquire information about the technology and its governance. A GCC will need to be vigilant in not usurping the authority of regulatory agencies, but rather focus on pointing out gaps or potential synergies in regulatory frameworks. Perhaps most important, if GCCs can establish a reputation for fairness and effectiveness in the earliest stages of an emerging technology's development, they may build the legitimacy necessary to merit the trust of interested members of the public and civil society groups. The private sector will also be a critical participant in GCCs, because many of the key decisions on commercializing emerging technologies are made inside companies.