Abstract

Emerging technologies have substantial implications for the sustainability of current lifestyles and human well-being. These implications can be influenced during the development process and implementation practices of emerging technologies. In the EU-funded FORGING project a Toolbox for development and early implementation of emerging technologies is being developed. The FORGING Toolbox guides towards finding the right tools for responsible technology practices and provides guidelines on the co-creative methods utilized in the FORGING project.

The FORGING Toolbox is structured around four typical phases of innovation processes, depicted as Innovation Journey: 1) Research, 2) Development of concepts and products, 3) Introduction and early implementation, 4) Scaling-up & fine-tuning established technologies. The Toolbox describes methods and tools for responsible and sustainable practices in each of these stages, considering the needs of technology developers, early adopters, and technology intermediaries. The co-creative methodology of FORGING project forms the foundation of the Toolbox, offering a variety of methods for inclusive, multistakeholder deliberation on technology impacts, societal needs, and recognizing and mitigating risks of emerging technologies. The Toolbox offers insights for a wide variety of emerging technologies, ranging from artificial intelligence and real-time based digital twins to bio-inspired technologies and human-machine interaction.

In this Discussion table, our aim is to have an open dialogue on the tools for co-creative, multistakeholder responsibility work on emerging technologies. We seek to bring our insights into the discussion in form of guiding probes, and allow the participants to deliberate on the needs, practices, and expectations for such responsibility tools. As a major take-away, the participants will gain access to the FORGING Toolbox Prototype, as well as have the opportunity to join FORGING forum to influence the further development of this valuable resource.