A call to technologists to ensure that responsible outcomes arise from their innovations

Abstract

We explain in this article why it is difficult to ensure responsible outcomes from technology. We explore several reasons, ranging from gaps in the design methods in use in most organizations, a piecemeal approach to following ethical principles in the design and management of technologies, influence of the organizational culture and structure, and the wider political economy of technology itself. We believe however that most technologists who design and manage these technologies would want to minimize harm that arises from their innovations, and as a possible route we raise a call to them to collectivize so that they can be more closely involved in defining the priorities of their organizations, their countries, and the world.