With great power comes great responsibility: why ‘safe enough’ is not good enough in debates on new gene technologies

• DOI: 10.1007/s10460-022-10367-6
• Publication Date: 2022-10-25T15:08:44Z
• Authors: Sigfrid Kjeldaas; Tim Dassler; Trine Antonsen; Odd-Gunnar Wikmark; Anne I. Myhr
• Keywords: Reflexivity; Emerging Technologies

Abstract New genomic techniques (NGTs) are powerful technologies with the potential to change how we relate our food, food producers, and natural environment. Their use may affect practices values societies built on. Like many countries, EU is currently revisiting its GMO legislation accommodate emergence of NGTs. We argue that assessing such according whether they ‘safe enough’ will not create public trust necessary for societal acceptance. To avoid past mistakes under- or miscommunication about possible impacts, need open, transparent, inclusive debate on nature science gene (editing) technologies, them, contribute sustainable solutions environmental challenges. be trustworthy, regulation must demonstrate authorities’ ability manage scientific, socio-economic, environmental, ethical complexities uncertainties associated Regulators authorities should give equal attention reflexive emotional aspects make room honest stakeholder inclusion processes. The European Group Ethics in Science Technology’s recent report Genome Editing (2021) important calling a series fundamental issues ought included debates NGTs ensure these regulating authorities. With great power comes responsibility, way forward grounded responsible research, innovation, regulation.