By Agita Smitina, Dr.sc.admin, ViA
In today’s fast-paced technological world, the ethics surrounding technology have become a growing and intricate concern. As innovation continues to expand boundaries and reshape multiple areas of life, it is essential to maintain a careful balance between advancement and responsibility. The ethics of technology explore the moral dilemmas that stem from its development, implementation, and use within society. Discussing the ethical implications of emerging technologies in business is crucial in several areas- security, privacy, accountability, fairness, and the impact of technology on individuals, communities, and the environment.
Technologies like AI, machine learning, and big data analytics often involve the collection and use of vast amounts of personal data. Without ethical safeguards, this can lead to privacy violations, misuse of data, and unauthorised surveillance. As AI and automation play increasingly significant roles in decision-making, there is a growing need for transparency regarding how these decisions are made. Ethical considerations compel businesses to establish clear guidelines and accountability for AI-driven processes, particularly when they affect human lives or livelihoods. This transparency is essential for maintaining public trust in technology.
An important question is also about mitigating job displacement and social impact. Emerging technologies like automation and robotics can potentially displace jobs, transforming industries and economies. This question encourages a discussion on the social responsibility of businesses and ensures that businesses consider the social consequences of these changes, promoting strategies like retraining, reskilling, and fair transition strategies for workers. This helps balance innovation with social responsibility, reducing the negative impact on communities. Talking about the ethical implications of emerging technologies allows businesses to proactively manage risks, promote fairness, protect consumers, and contribute positively to society. It encourages innovation that is not only technologically advanced but also morally sound and socially beneficial.
A panel discussion, “Ethical Implications of Emerging Technologies in Business: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility” (moderator- Assistant Professor, Dr. Irēna Liepiņa) was organised by the ViA Accelerate Future HEI project team during the International Week of the Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. Experts from three countries convened to discuss the critical ethical considerations surrounding the use of emerging technologies and innovation in business.
- Head of ViA study program “Cybersecurity engineering” Kristaps Felzenbergs (Latvia)
- Professor at Politechnica University of Timisoara Eugenia Grecu (Romania)
- Teaching assistant at Ain-Shams University Ahmed El Tohamy (Egypt)
The discussion focused on key challenges and strategies to balance innovation with responsibility, specifically addressing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, automation, and robotics, as well as various legal aspects related to ethics. The participants also emphasized the role of governance and regulation in establishing policies and standards in the use of technologies in different areas, collaboration between technology developers, policymakers, and various stakeholders, and public awareness and education.
In the panel discussion, there was a conviction that ethical issues are strongly connected with the reputation of the organisation and business sustainability. Ignoring ethical implications may lead to public backlash, legal challenges, or reputational damage, which can harm a company’s growth and credibility. By embedding ethics into the development and implementation of technology, businesses can innovate responsibly, ensuring that their innovations benefit society as a whole and not just a select few. The moderator of the discussion also emphasized legal risks that should be considered– ethical considerations help companies align with regulatory expectations and avoid legal pitfalls, all while fostering innovation. Compliance with regulations can also build consumer trust and reinforce a company’s commitment to responsible business practices. In the discussion, the participants also shared examples from their countries and universities of how ethical problems are solved with the increasing interference of digital technology in various business processes.
Follow the full discussion here:
