Jälkiehitys

Jälkiehitys refers to a Finnish term that translates to "after-development" or "post-development" in English. It is a concept that primarily relates to the ethical and societal implications that arise after a new technology or scientific advancement has been introduced and is in use. Instead of focusing solely on the initial research, development, and deployment of a technology, jälkiehitys examines the unforeseen consequences, unintended uses, and long-term impacts on individuals, communities, and the environment.

This concept encourages a proactive and critical approach to understanding how technologies shape our lives beyond their intended purposes. It involves ongoing evaluation, adaptation, and governance to mitigate potential harms and maximize benefits. Jälkiehitys can encompass a wide range of issues, such as data privacy concerns with digital technologies, ethical dilemmas in artificial intelligence, the societal impact of automation, or the environmental consequences of industrial development. It emphasizes that the responsibility for a technology does not end with its creation but continues throughout its lifecycle. The goal is to foster a more responsible and sustainable integration of new innovations into society by consistently considering their evolving effects.