often in ways that are hard to identify. Furthermore, progress in bioengineering introduces new philosophical, political, and economic dilemmas concerning human relationship with nature.

As both large and small devices increasingly operate through cloud technology, control often becomes remote and detached from direct human or societal oversight. This complexity has spurred a distinct study area aimed at making technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things more “explainable,” reflecting the challenges in grasping their functionality and troubleshooting problems.

​This rising complexity poses significant challenges for scholars, necessitating a thorough investigation into the global impacts of these technological changes, both positive and negative.​ Identifying the necessary social, political, and legal frameworks is essential for guiding technology development and design in constructive ways. While the rapid evolution of technology may feel overwhelming, many countries are just beginning to establish meaningful regulations on computer technologies and reassess the rules governing international data flows.

We are in a transformative era for both technological innovation and policy. As our technologies grow in sophistication and intricacy, so do our insights into how to use, protect, and regulate them. The frameworks governing technological systems—shaped by governmental and institutional policies—have profound implications for societal organization and individual agency. These frameworks can vary widely, from decentralized systems to strictly regulated hierarchies. As our understanding of technology governance develops, we are also becoming more aware of some social, cultural, environmental, and political dimensions of emerging technologies. This growing awareness highlights the importance of exploring various ways technology is reshaping society, envisioning desired outcomes, and identifying the tools to influence and guide these developments.