OECD ministers stress need for coordinated approaches to harness potential of emerging technologies

Science and technology ministers from the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) stressed the need for governments to develop coordinated approaches to harness the opportunities of new and emerging technologies.

A press release issued on OECD's website, following a two-day ministerial meeting held in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday, said that representatives from over 50 countries "agreed on the need for policies to foster the development of and adaptation to technologies such as neurotechnology, synthetic biology and quantum technology."

"In their final declaration, ministers called for transformative Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies to accelerate sustainability transitions and the embedding of shared values in international co-operation and technology governance," the release said.

Mathias Cormann, the general secretary of the OECD, said: “Today, Ministers have reaffirmed the key role for the OECD to play in supporting policy makers with evidence-based analysis to design and implement transformative policies, in reinforcing shared values in international governance, and in promoting diversity and accessibility for careers in research and innovation."

Ministers also called on the OECD to develop tools for monitoring education and training to promote talent, inclusivity, mobility and careers in research and innovation, including through the launch of a new observatory on research and innovation careers.