Technology innovation, life, and the 21st century – ten alternative perspectives

Ten alternative perspectives on technology innovation and life in the 21st century.

A series of guest articles on technology innovation, published between December 14 – 18 2009

I must confess I’m a staunch believer in the importance of technology innovation.  But I was reminded recently that not everyone sees the world in the same way, and that there are very different but equally valid perspectives on how science and technology should be used within society.

As a result, I decided to commission ten guest articles on technology innovation from people working for, associated with or generally reflecting the views of Civic Society groups.  The aim was to expose readers to perspectives on technology innovation that are sometimes drowned out in mainstream conversations, and to give a sense of the breadth of opinions and perspectives that are often lumped under the banners of “civic society” or “Non Government Organizations.”

You may not agree with everything that’s written.  But whether you are a tech believer, a tech skeptic, or somewhere in between, I hope these articles will inform, challenge and even amuse you.

The ten alternative perspectives on technology innovation are:

Monday, December 14:

Biopolitics for the 21st Century
Marcy Darnovsky, Center for Genetics & Society

Innovation for whom? Innovation for what? The Impact of Ableism
Gregor Wolbring, University of Calgary

Tuesday, December 15:

Beyond safety: some bigger questions about new technologies
Georgia Miller, Friends of the Earth

Innovation for a well-fed world – what role for technology?
Geoff Tansey, Food Ethics Council

Wednesday, December 16:

Stop and Think: A Luddite Perspective
Jen Sass, Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC)

A new era of responsible innovation
Richard Owen, University of Westminster

Thursday, December 17:

Ecology and Nanotechnology
Richard Worthington, Loka

Reversing the Technological Dilemma
George Kimbrell, International Center for Technology Assessment (ICTA)

Friday, December 18:

Innovation in the Doc
Tim Jackson, University of Surrey

21st Century Tech Governance? What would Ned Ludd do?
Jim Thomas, ETC Group

My sincerest appreciation to all the contributors to this series, who were more than willing to take the time to help others understand how they see the world. – Thank You!

Page updated 11/28/10

Page updated 1/22/15 (minor updates to text)