This report examines notable oversight mechanisms that are either established or under development across a selection of global jurisdictions, offering key insights that could inform future technology oversight and governance discussions. The technologies include organoids, human embryology, engineering biology and neurotechnology, as well as artificial intelligence (specifically its application and use as a research tool) and data platforms.

State-of-play and future trends on the development of oversight frameworks for emerging technologies

Part 1: Global landscape review of emerging technology areas

Sana Zakaria, Ioli Howard, Eva Coringrato, Anna Louise Todsen, Imogen Wade, Devika Kapoor, Alec Ross, Katarina Pisani, Chryssa Politi, Martin Szomszor, Salil Gunashekar

ResearchPublished Dec 16, 2024

Cover: State-of-play and future trends on the development of oversight frameworks for emerging technologies
Download PDF
Additional Downloads

Includes Executive Summary

As technologies become more pervasive and form a critical aspect of our societal infrastructure, governance and wider oversight mechanisms have a key role to play in ensuring that benefits from technology are maximised and risks are managed proactively. The goal of technology oversight is to ensure that technology is developed, deployed and used in a responsible and ethical manner, and that it does not pose undue risks or harm to individuals or society as a whole.

Wellcome commissioned RAND Europe to undertake a study on the state-of-play and future trends on the development of oversight frameworks for emerging technologies. The specific objective of the study is to identify and analyse a suite of oversight frameworks and mechanisms (including associated emerging trends and novel approaches) that are in use, in development or under debate in different jurisdictions across the globe for a set of emerging technologies. The technologies of interest include genomics (specifically engineering biology), human embryology, organoids, neurotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI) (specifically its application and use as a research tool) and data platforms.

The study findings are presented in two related documents: the global technology landscape review report and the technology oversight report (this report). The two reports should be read alongside each other. This report examines notable oversight mechanisms that are either established or under development across a selection of global jurisdictions, offering key learning and insights that could inform future technology oversight discussions.

Key Findings

Diverse range of oversight frameworks

  • For each technology, the study maps and examines a variety of oversight frameworks across multiple jurisdictions – covering a spectrum of options with differing levels of accountability, obligation and enforcement – to assess how technology is being used, while keeping issues such as safety, privacy and risk mitigation at the forefront.

Lack of specific frameworks for organoids

  • There is an absence of specific regulatory frameworks for organoids, with current oversight relying on broader stem cell and biomedical regulations. Emerging mechanisms, such as Japan's consent-to-govern approach, are gaining traction to address ethical challenges, particularly around donor consent and privacy concerns.

Challenges in human embryology oversight

  • Existing frameworks, like the UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, are outdated and not designed for new technologies such as AI in embryo selection. Disparate national regulations complicate international collaboration, and there is a need for frameworks to adapt to scientific advancements and public interest.

Fragmented oversight in engineering biology

  • The global landscape features disparate oversight mechanisms, creating obstacles for international collaboration. There is a need for alignment across diverse applications and jurisdictions, with potential solutions including cross-sector collaboration and international biosecurity measures.

Neurotechnology oversight gaps

  • Current regulations do not address the unique challenges posed by neurotechnologies, such as data privacy and dual-use concerns. Ethical guidelines, like Chile's neurorights, offer proactive models, but there is a need for stronger post-market surveillance and international guidelines to prevent misuse.

Recommendation

  • This report proposes eight priority considerations for stakeholders engaged in technology R&I, to support the development of the broader R&I and technology oversight ecosystem in the future. These cross-cutting actions cover topics such as (i) developing networks of interconnected oversight mechanisms; (ii) ensuring equity considerations are prioritised; (iii) establishing actionable international alignment to harmonise governance practices; (iv) developing internationally coordinated risk mitigation strategies; (v) supporting the implementation and scaling of innovative oversight mechanisms; (vi) facilitating proactive public involvement in the development of oversight frameworks; (vii) incorporating adaptive practices into oversight processes; and (viii) integrating anticipatory strategies into oversight frameworks.

Topics

Document Details

Citation

RAND Style Manual

Zakaria, Sana, Ioli Howard, Eva Coringrato, Anna Louise Todsen, Imogen Wade, Devika Kapoor, Alec Ross, Katarina Pisani, Chryssa Politi, Martin Szomszor, and Salil Gunashekar, State-of-play and future trends on the development of oversight frameworks for emerging technologies: Part 1: Global landscape review of emerging technology areas, RAND Corporation, RR-A3215-1, 2024. As of April 30, 2025: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3215-1.html

Chicago Manual of Style

Zakaria, Sana, Ioli Howard, Eva Coringrato, Anna Louise Todsen, Imogen Wade, Devika Kapoor, Alec Ross, Katarina Pisani, Chryssa Politi, Martin Szomszor, and Salil Gunashekar, State-of-play and future trends on the development of oversight frameworks for emerging technologies: Part 1: Global landscape review of emerging technology areas. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2024. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3215-1.html.
BibTeX RIS

Research conducted by

This research was prepared for Wellcome Trust and conducted by RAND Europe.

This publication is part of the RAND research report series. Research reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND research reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.