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Mapping Weak Signals

Inspired by: FP7 » Human Enhancements

version: 5 / updated: 2011-01-27
id: #1521 / version id: #49
mode: VIEW

Originally submitted by: Cornelia Daheim
List of all contributors by versions (mouse over)
Last changed by: Sivert von Saldern
WI-WE status:
submitted unpublished

Source of inspiration

European Commission Framework Programme for RTD (FP7)

Theme/activity of inspiration

Theme 1 - Health

Sub-theme/area of inspiration

Other actions across health themes

Uploaded reports, images or pictures related to the Weak Signal

File name File type File size
Human-Enhancements.jpg image 257706 open

Signal's headline

(max. 9 words)
Human Enhancements

Signal's description

(approx. 150 words)
Please describe the Weak Signal (approx. 150 words)
Increasing research on enhancing human performance: e.g. modification of biochemical processes in the body, implants for monitoring body status and releasing drugs as well as nanotech-enhanced tissue, bones and brain.

Keywords

human performance, body enhancements, implants, body status, tissue

Mini-description

(max. 250 characters)
Research on enhancing human performance becomes more and more popular: e.g. modification of biochemical processes in the body, implants for monitoring body status and releasing drugs as well as nanotech-enhanced tissue, bones and brain.

Signal's first apperance

2005-now

Signal's potential evolution

It could lead to...
issue type of issue/development potential impact on society timeframe for the issue to become at least 50% probable
#1 WI: A new generation of soldiers with extraordinary abilities is built. Private persons invest in performance enhancing modifications. continuation
 		neutral
 		now-2050

Under what assumption the Weak Signal might evolve.

further research on human enhancement and a lack of regulation

Importance

please specify
please select
Level 4: important for the whole world especiall for those that can afford such enhancements

Filters preventing the signal's monitoring

cultural/religious filters (values, traditions, faith, spiritual beliefs)
scientific filters (knowledge/technology access)

Key driving forces of this signal

Please use these boxes to provide up to 2 drivers of HIGH importance. Click on HELP to see examples:
Driver 1 Driver 2
Technological/Scientific without asking wether the result is actually desirable, research programms focus on this topic
Economic body enhancements promise to be a valuable future business opportunity

Major risks & opportunities associated to the signal

Please choose the most appropriate timeframe option(s) to which you would like to provide inputs.
Risks Opportunities
between 2015-2025 people with disability could profit from research results
between 2025-2050 if results are implemented on a large scale, there will a huge gap between those with body enhancements and those without
beyond 2050 war could change as there could be soldiers with "super-natural abilities"

Potential stakeholders' actions

short-term actions
(now-2015) 		longer-term
(after 2015)
Policy actors (at the international, European and national levels) watch the research programs and - if necessary - regulate research on body enhancement or business models making profit out of it
Academic/Research sector concentrate on desirable outcomes (e.g. support for people with disabilites)
General public have a public debate on what is desirable and where research might go too far

Signal's relevance for European Grand Challenges

where? please justify:
particularly relevant Europe world
Ageing and other demographic tensions
Diseases, health and well-being
Social exclusion & poverty
Social cohesion and diversity
Work-Life balance and mental health
Innovation dynamics

Signal's relevance for thematic research areas

please justify:
particularly relevant
ICT - Information & communication technologies
Nanosciences, nanotech, materials & new prod. tech.
Social Sciences and Humanities

Pan-European strategies influencing the signal

please justify:
particularly relevant
Increasing the efficiency and impact of public research through Joint Programming (i.e. combining national and pan-European research efforts) or the optimisation of research programmes and priorities, for example.

Research-friendly strategies potentially improving understanding of the signal

For further information about 'research-friendly strategies' click here
please justify:
particularly relevant
Creating a closer link between researchers & policy-makers
(e.g. supporting both thematic and cross-cutting policies, highlighting the strategic purpose of the European Research Area, etc.

Signal's relevance for future R&D and STI policies

Note: RTD = research and technology development; STI = science, technology and innovation
Research on qualitative management of body enhancement technologies has to be intensified. As in every other industry, there is a high probability of plagiarism regarding the supply of artificial body parts. Therefore, strict control regulations on the quality of processed material and production processes have to be implemented.