Emerging technologies need public trust

The global race for emerging technologies is often described in terms of innovation capacity, computing power, research funding and national competitiveness. Governments and industries speak of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum systems, robotics, and semiconductors as strategic assets that will shape the future balance of economic and geopolitical power. All of that is true. But there is another dimension of technological competition that receives far less attention: the struggle for public trust, social legitimacy and persuasive communication.

Emerging technologies do not exist in laboratories alone. They exist within societies. Their success depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but also on whether people understand them, trust them and believe they serve human progress.

In the 21st century, technology leadership is also a form of narrative leadership.

Artificial intelligence offers a clear example. Around the world, AI generates competing emotions at the same time: excitement, fear, fascination, anxiety, optimism, and distrust. Some see AI as a path toward scientific advancement and greater productivity. Others fear job displacement, surveillance, misinformation and loss of human control.

Therefore, the challenge before governments, universities, companies and media institutions is not simply technological development. It is explaining the same to the public. Who explains the future matters.

Throughout modern history, societies have embraced transformative technologies because of compelling public narratives. Railroads symbolized national development. Space exploration represented human ambition and scientific possibility. The internet was promoted as a democratizing force capable of connecting humanity across borders. Today's emerging technologies require similar forms of public understanding and social legitimacy.

Yet public conversations about technology are increasingly fragmented. Online ecosystems amplify fear, outrage, conspiracy theories and emotional polarization faster than institutions can respond, just as misinformation often spreads more rapidly than scientific clarification. Public mood itself has become a strategic battleground. I have described this phenomenon elsewhere as "mood trafficking" — the shaping of emotional climates through narratives, images, and information systems. In the digital era, whoever shapes public mood often shapes public perception.

This is especially important because emerging technologies increasingly touch every aspect of human life. Artificial intelligence influences education, labor markets, healthcare, finance, media, and military planning. Biotechnology raises ethical questions surrounding genetics and human identity. Quantum systems may transform cybersecurity and communication infrastructures.

These developments are social transformations. As a result, scientists and engineers alone cannot carry the burden of technological transition. Public communication, education, diplomacy, and cultural understanding must also play central roles.

Universities have an important responsibility here. Institutions of higher learning such as Tsinghua University in China, where I've taught several times, should not only produce technical expertise, but also help societies understand the broader human implications of innovation. This requires dialogue across disciplines, bringing together engineers, social scientists, communication scholars, ethicists, policymakers, and international partners.

Technology policy itself must become more human-centered.

In many countries, governments are now recognizing that technological influence extends beyond economics and security. Innovation also shapes national image, international reputation, and soft power. Countries increasingly compete not only over which technologies they invent, but also over which vision of the future they present to the world.

This is particularly true in Asia, where technological modernization is often linked to broader national narratives of development, stability, education, and long-term planning. Across the region, emerging technologies are becoming symbols of national aspiration and civilizational confidence.

At the same time, all societies face similar questions. How can innovation remain people-centered? How can technological progress strengthen social trust rather than deepening polarization? How can countries encourage innovation while preserving human dignity and public accountability? These questions cannot be answered through engineering alone.

The future of emerging technologies will depend not only on who develops the most advanced systems, but also on who can best communicate their meaning, legitimacy, and human purpose.

Technology is never only about machines. It is also about building and maintaining public trust.

The author, a scholar of public diplomacy and strategic communications, has lectured widely across Asia, including at Tsinghua University's School of Journalism and Communication and Schwarzman College.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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