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Barcelona . March 2005
BARCELONA's DECLARATION .
on Converging TechnologiesBarcelona’s Declaration BARCELONA, MARCH 2005

The ‘Converging Technologies Forum’ (Autonomous University of Barcelona, March 2005) started round-table meetings of an international panel of experts to discuss particular aspects concerning Strategy Design for Converging Technologies Development, in the fields of Science and Industry in Spain.

The four proposed subjects to the panel of experts were:

• Converging Technologies and Neurology.
• Information Technology and Converging Technologies.
• Converging Technologies and Genomics.
• Education and Converging Technologies.

The summary of the conclusions and recommendations deriving from the four discussions are:

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Field

The objective for the study of the so-named Converging Technologies (Nan0-Bio-Info-Cogno Technologies, NBIC) is the interdisciplinary analysis of the interactions between life-systems and artificial-systems at different scales (nano, macro) for the design of new devices that will enable cognitive and communicative capacity expansion, improve Health and the physical capacities of Humanity and its social welfare.

This analysis encompasses the synergy between Nano-technology, Biology, Information Technology and Cognitive Sciences.

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Conclusions regarding Investigation/Research

From their previous definition and international prediction, it is believed that in short-term, the gross balance in the economic and social impact of NBIC Technologies will relate to the fields of Health and Education.

NBIC Technologies attach a high potential value: in Science, Technology and Industry.

The Development turbine of Converging Technologies will be their application in diverse sectors, mainly in Health and Education.

Therefore it is essential to consider:

To promote the convergence of technologies (micro-technology, nano-technology, material science, bio-engineering, bio-technology, chirurgic, information technology, artificial intelligence, neuro-sciences, imaging-diagnostic sciences, etc.) as a new tool for research and investigation and as engine for innovations and development.

Identification of common working patterns and to promote investigation based on problem-solving.

To establish priority objectives to promote coherent science development in the medium- and long-term that empower resolutions and projects at long-term: results should depend on the evolution of the state of the art technology.

To apply this working pattern not exclusively to research but also to Industry and to the potential users of NBIC technologies.

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Conclusions regarding Education

It is considered essential the formation of technicians and scientists that incorporate integrally the convergence of technologies in their own ‘professional culture’.

Considering that result-achievement in Education find their horizon in a five year period, priority should be given to establish a pilot programme of education not later than 2006.

Education in Converging Technologies will contemplate a first minimal ‘core of content’ that each discipline requires, from the point of view of acquisition of the knowledge, the abilities and the technologies. This basic ‘core of content’ will be complemented and expanded with specialised contents chosen in pace with specific itineraries.

In the Education Programme there should be sufficient emphasis in transitional aspects such as bio-security, bio-ethics, regulation, etc…

To achieve real-time-convergence, the Education Programme will be structured following a main formation path/target and one or two secondary paths/targets.

The education of the new generation of scientists will be enhanced with postgraduate residencies of six moths to a year’s duration in specific centres of specialisation.

Education in the field of NBIC Technologies should be balanced together with Research/Investigation, meaning that newly tailored post-graduate programmes should be integrated in class-rooms and laboratories following a designed sequence of appropriate and relevant projects.

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Conclusions regarding the start-up

The initiative towards technology convergence should be strong and decisive.

A slow or moderate start-up would limit the objectives already achieved, therefore limiting the predicted results.

Decision-making for the initiative should value the requirements of real-time-convergence:

Superior dedication and effort from the teaching and research staff in comparison with other disciplines.

Specific and adequate financial support from the relevant institutions.

High level of understanding and flexibility from the relevant institutions to be able to device new and innovative methodologies in Education and Research, demanding directions and options different from those commonly established.

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Recommendations

It is highly recommended the foundation of a specific Institute for Converging Technologies, encompassing scientists and centres from all Technology and Science orientations. (Santa Fe Institute model).

The creation of support structures and/or networks for the new Convergence of technologies, rendering the participation of doctors, scientists, engineers, patient associations, ethics specialists, law, etc. These structures would lead the role in defining objectives, promoting the code of practice and applying measures to generate innovation.

To direct speculate financing sources and mechanisms towards group development and multidisciplinary investigation.

To promote incentives both in forming new human resources (a new generation of scientists) and in developing technologies, materials and centres dedicated to the new Convergence.

Responsibility/Awareness. It is important to recognise that the possibilities that NBIC technologies may and will offer might inside in social freedom. Therefore it is important to device criteria’s and responsible attitudes to monitor their development, social and ethic implications in the areas of Education and the financing of projects.

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