The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently cited three emerging technologies trending towards maturity that could change society:
- Gene editing to treat or prevent disease, which may advance treatments for diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The development of gene editing may be limited by ethical concerns, particularly when factors such as whether the results of such editing can be inherited by children are included. Implications of such technologies include the high costs—currently over $2 million per patient—and whether federal funds may be used for certain types of gene editing. A potential consideration for policymakers, such as legislative bodies, government agencies, and other groups, is how the current federal funding restrictions may affect future gene editing research.
- Space-based manufacturing of semiconductor crystals, which may enable the production of high-quality semiconductors. The unique conditions of space—such as microgravity, a natural vacuum, and reduced contamination—could enable the production of semiconductor crystals with fewer defects and greater purity than those manufactured on Earth. These semiconductors could lead to more powerful computers, faster communication systems, and improved consumer electronics. The implications of such technologies include the dependency on foreign supply chains for raw materials, and safeguarding the spacecraft needed for enabling such manufacturing. A potential consideration for policymakers is whether a comprehensive licensing framework for investment, development, and intellectual property protection would benefit the development of these technologies.
- Biodegradable bioplastics, which may help reduce microplastic pollution through recent innovations, including algae-based or self-biodegradable bioplastics. The implications of such technologies include carbon dioxide emissions from biodegradation as well as increased complexity for consumers to make eco-friendly choices. Potential considerations for policymakers are increased clarity for labeling of such technologies, such as explicit notation of the conditions needed for biodegradation, and increased consumer education to help align the expectations of the technologies’ end of life procedures with consumer behavior.
GAO fallowed the STEER framework to help guide its approach, analyzing the social impacts, technology drivers, environment impacts, economic drivers, and the regulatory landscape for the three technology areas. Each of the three present profound ethical, economic, health, safety and environmental issues for policymakers and will require greater understanding and analysis to maximize innovation and reducing harms.