Fostering sustainability in science, technology and innovation

The important contribution of science, technology and innovation in addressing societal needs and global challenges cannot be overstated. The advent of developments such as online platforms, social media and use of Artificial Intelligence have brought about new opportunities. At the same time, there are growing concerns related to the wider impacts of science, technology and innovation which necessitate regulatory intervention.

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct

The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (MNE Guidelines) provide for a set of voluntary standards on responsible business conduct (RBC) for companies. The MNE Guidelines recommend that companies incorporate RBC practices in relation to the use of science, technology and innovation. These, inter alia, include the requirement to undertake due diligence on all kinds of risks related to technology as well as licensing, marketing and the handling of data.

Good RBC practices also recommend that companies adopt mechanisms to provide for transparent processes related to access and exchange of data. This can be achieved through the adoption of data governance policies such as code of ethics and related organisational rules intended to address privacy and data integrity aspects.

The MNE Guidelines similarly enjoin companies to take into account employment, social, ethical and environmental considerations during the development and formulation of new technologies.

Implementing the MNE Guidelines

Responsible business conduct standards are important considerations when businesses leverage on the use of technology to service the requirements of other users such as individuals or other businesses. In practice, embedding RBC in the context of trade via online platforms, would entail the company having in place a transparent data governance policy with clear guidance on how to handle data collected from consumers, in accordance with data protection and privacy standards. The impact of digitalisation on the well-being of individuals and on society as a whole must also be recognised. For instance, companies actively involved in digitalisation are issuing organisational policies with a focus on the protection of human rights, particularly in the case of digital security.

How can NCP Mauritius help?

As part of its mandate, the National Contact Point Mauritius (NCP Mauritius) is responsible for promoting the MNE Guidelines. Should you have any queries on the MNE Guidelines, or the implications, you may contact the NCP Mauritius on secretariat@ncpmauritius.mu