Complex sociotechnical systems and unintended consequences. Engineering profession and society. Frameworks for critical engineering practice. Spread of innovative ideas. Risk, precaution, and innovation constraints. Definitions, mechanisms, and case studies of the governance of existing technologies, such as cybersecurity, Internet, and information technology. Characteristics and examples of emerging technologies. Emerging technology governance frameworks and tools. Hype, expectations, and technology assessment. Governance case studies of specific emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, autonomous vehicles, and neurotechnology. Technologies of democracy and public interest technologies. Governing technology into the future. Master of Information Technology (MIT) students only. Pre: Graduate standing.
Critical Eng Of Emerging Tech
Host University
Virginia Tech
Semester
Fall 2026
Course Number
ECE-5864
CRN
91170
Credits
3
Discipline
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Course Information
Prerequisites
None Prerequisites Enforced: Yes