Technology Impact Assessments: Case Studies from Australia and India

Join in a research-based webinar on this subject led by two analysts recognised internationally for their work: Dr Austin Wyatt (RAND Australia) and Dr Ravi Srinivas (NALSAR University of Law).

The webinar will run for one hour from 3pm Sydney time/9.30am Delhi time on Friday 7 March. If you would like to participate in this discussion, please sign up by registering at this link or click the RSVP button. We will send you the details for participation.

In this third webinar, Austin's talk will focus on Understanding the Socio-Technical Impact of Robotic and Autonomous Systems in the Australian National Security Space. Ravi's presentation will address the socio-economic impact assessment of genetically modified organisms in agriculture

The rapid advancement of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges for national security. This includes assessing their potential to enhance operational capabilities, mitigate non-traditional threats, and maintain a competitive edge in the global arena. The assessment also considers the broader policy environment, linking technology attributes to government objectives and desired outcomes across various sectors. This presentation explores what insights can be gained from undertaking Technology Impact Assessments on RAS-AI systems within the context of Australian national security. By exploring the TIA process in relation to RAS-AI, this presentation aims to highlight the importance of a structured and repeatable framework for making informed policy decisions. It underscores the need for strategic patience, rapid response capabilities, and a balanced approach to technology ownership, collaboration, and access.

Ravi will discuss a case study on the socio-economic impact assessment of genetically modified organisms in agriculture. The talk will highlight the case study's findings to underscore the importance of impact assessments as essential tools for informed decision-making. This talk describes findings from a project funded by UNEP/GEF.

The webinar is part of the new project on Australia India Joint Technology Impact Assessment (TIA) for Peace and Stability funded by the Australia India Cyber and Critical Technologies Partnership. You can read the Project Scope briefing note here and see the video of our project launch at this link.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr Austin Wyatt is a Researcher at RAND Australia. Dr Wyatt’s research focuses on RAS-AI policy, defence innovation and transformation, as well as the impacts of emerging and potentially disruptive technologies in the Asia Pacific Region. Dr Wyatt holds a PhD in political science and military innovation. Prior to joining RAND Australia, Austin has held positions at the Defence Science and Technology Group and the UNSW-Canberra. Dr Wyatt is the author of several academic publications including a book entitled The Disruptive Impact of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems Diffusion: Modern Melians and the Dawn of Robotic Warriors, published by Routledge.

Dr Ravi Srinivas is an adjunct professor at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, a consultant with Research and Information System in Developing Countries (RIS) and Managing Editor of a journal titled Asian Biotechnology and Development Review (ABDR) and is affiliated with the STI Program at RIS. He has been a visiting scholar at the University of Pennsylvania on a Fulbright Fellowship, a visiting scholar at Indiana University, Bloomington and a Post-Doc Research Fellow at South Center, Geneva. He holds a PhD from the National Law School, Bangalore. He has published extensively on intellectual property rights, climate change and technology transfer, open-source innovation and traditional knowledge. At RIS, he has been part of research projects funded by the EC and UNESCO. He has consulted with UN DESA, UNESCO, UNEP-RISOE Center and the Anthropological Survey of India.