Governing Pandora

A road map for developing responsible and innovative governance systems based on generative AI and other exponential technologies

As exponential technology rapidly advances, leaders in every sector are faced with the challenge of harnessing its potential power while developing precautionary safeguards against its risks. From generative artificial intelligence to the future of quantum computing, these innovations are transforming the world at an unprecedented rate, leaving decision-makers unsure of how to maintain control and ensure responsible development.

Governing Pandora focuses on multiple exponential technologies in order to demonstrate how leaders can develop responsible and innovative governance systems. This book equips leaders with frameworks and tools—including a detailed five-element "exponential governance mind-set"—to develop a more holistic tech governance approach for current and future waves of exponential tech. Andrea Bonime-Blanc encourages the development of a culture of collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines as technology takes on a bigger role in our ecosystem. She explains the context, risks, and opportunities of the ongoing exponential technology revolution so that leaders can futureproof themselves, their organizations, and key stakeholders with strategies and tactics to act responsibly, ethically, and successfully.

This book speaks directly to executives, board members, policymakers, and organizational leaders who are tasked with charting a course through the advancement of modern technologies. Governing Pandora bridges the gap between exploring pure technology and managing and governing applied technology. Readers will learn not only how to develop a governance mind-set for exponential technology but also how to build organizational resilience.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Dante A. Disparte
Introduction
Part One Preparing for the Age of Pandora: Understanding the Global Tech Megascape
Chapter 1 The Global Tech Megascape: The Situational Awareness Imperative
Chapter 2 Rise of the Exponential Machines: Tech Turbocharges Tech
Part Two Triangulating the Age of Pandora: An Exponential Tech Whirlwind Tour
Chapter 3 Generative AI: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
Chapter 4 Biotechnology: From Crispr to SynBio
Chapter 5 Materials Science: From Silicon to Tiny Skyscrapers
Chapter 6 Frontier Computing: From Cloud and Edge to Quantum and the Metaverse
Chapter 7 Autonomy: From Killer Robots to Smart Cities
Part Three Surviving and Thriving in the Age of Pandora: Developing the Exponential Governance Mindset
Chapter 8 Leadership: Turbocharging 360 Tech Governance
Chapter 9 Ethos: Embedding Responsible Tech Culture
Chapter 10 Impact: Integrating Stakeholders into the Tech Loop
Chapter 11 Resilience: Deploying Polyrisk and Polycrisis Preparedness
Chapter 12 Foresight: Unleashing a Future-Forward Tech Strategy
Part Four Futureproofing the Age of Pandora: Deploying the Exponential Governance Mindset
Chapter 13 Futureproofing Ourselves and Our Organizations: Tips and Typologies
Chapter 14 Futureproofing the Global Commons: Exponential Frontiers
Acknowledgments
Notes
Selected Bibliography and Additional Resources
Index
About the Author

Reviews

"With clarity, wit, and insight, Bonime-Blanc cuts a searing path through a stale and acrimonious debate over 'AI safety' versus 'AI ethics' and asks a fundamental question: What does it mean to govern and lead, now that the Pandora's Box of uncontained technology is open? There is no one else that could have written this book and I could not recommend it more highly."—Alison Taylor, clinical associate professor, NYU Stern School of Business, and author of Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World

"In Governing Pandora, Bonime-Blanc not only provides a comprehendible and clear overview of AI, quantum, and the other exponential technologies changing our world but also offers concrete, helpful advice on how individuals at all levels can mitigate risks, amplify opportunities, and become responsible leaders at times of great disruption."—Adam Segal, Ira A. Lipman Chair in Emerging Technologies, director of Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program, Council on Foreign Relations

"Bonime-Blanc offers an invaluable framework for how business leaders should approach a world of exponential technological development, exponential opportunities, and exponential risks. It's a must read for anyone interested in responsibly building our future."—Daniel Dobrygowski, head of governance and trust, World Economic Forum

"Governing Pandora is a timely and incredibly thoughtful book that should be a constant companion for industry leaders as they think about the bounty and jeopardy possible with this exponential technology."—Vikram Sharma, operating partner, S2G Ventures

"In Governing Pandora Andrea cuts a path through the tech news, information, and data tsunami as well as the general confusion and even frustration many feel about the overwhelming pace and thrust of frontier tech. Her primer on five categories of exponential technologies and practical 'exponential governance mindset' will set the reader on the right course to further learning, open-minded exploration, and responsible tech decision-making."—Coco Brown, founder & CEO, Athena Alliance

"All board members should read this book and imagine what the future holds for the companies on whose boards they serve. There is no time to waste to understand and pinpoint and govern the risks and opportunities of the coming technology tsunami."—Helle Bank Jergensen, CEO, Competent Boards, and author, The Future Boardroom: How to Transform in Turbulent Times

"Governing Pandora is a remarkable contribution to the discourse on exponential technologies. In this timely and incisive book, Andrea masterfully employs the metaphor of Pandora's box to illustrate how these technologies have been unleashed into the global landscape—bringing both transformative opportunities and profound challenges. With eloquence and clarity, she asserts that 'exponential technology requires an exponential governance mindset.' Whether you're a policymaker, business leader, or curious reader, Governing Pandora offers invaluable perspectives and practical guidance for navigating the ethical, social, and organizational complexities of our rapidly advancing technological age."—Olajobi Makinwa, chief of intergovernmental relations & Africa and former chief of anti-corruption initiatives, United Nations Global Compact

"The era of naïve optimism about transformative technology as a force for human progress is squarely behind us. Yes, new technologies continue to offer immense opportunity for supercharged growth. But today they not only unleash creative destruction in the marketplace but also threaten to destabilize core societal and political foundations, degrading trust and undermining our geopolitical order. Companies and governments now have a much greater responsibility to ensure that their technologies are used responsibly. Andrea Bonime-Blanc's Governing Pandora is a critical new contribution that illuminates this new and far more dangerous world of exponential technology change, calling on leaders at all levels and across all sectors to be responsibly courageous in the adoption and governance of new technologies."—Friso van der Oord, senior vice president of content, National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD)

"With clarity and foresight, Governing Pandora empowers business leaders to make informed and responsible decisions in a world transformed by GenAI and emerging technologies. This indispensable guide is essential for anyone shaping a future that balances risk with opportunity and seeking a trustworthy path into the new technological era."—Kristina Podnar, global digital policy expert, Data & Trust Alliance, and author, The Power of Digital Policy

"Governance of AI and other rapidly advancing technologies is a topic that every board member must care about. Andrea Bonime-Blanc's engaging book is full of real-life examples and practical tips for leaders in any industry."—Maya Bundt, non-executive director and board member, CyberPeace Institute, and chapter chair of cyber resilience, Swiss Risk Association

"In Governing Pandora, Dr. Bonime-Blanc lays out what's really going wrong in tech—and how to fix it. A seasoned watcher of tech trends and expert corporate operator, she also shares her sharp insights into AI and its impact on business. Reading this book is like being inoculated against tech hype."—Tarah Wheeler, CEO, Red Queen Dynamics, senior fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

"An insightful explanation of how accelerating technology governs our future and an impressive guide to how decision-makers can help to keep all of us on a safe path. Governing Pandora not only makes an ironclad case for accelerated governance but also provides practical guidance."—Marcel Zumbühl, CISO and board member, Swiss Post Group

"Technology is accelerating. Policy and leadership must catch up—this book shows how and equips all decision-makers with the mindset and tools to govern in an era of exponential change"—Alexander Romanishyn, policymaker, economist, and former deputy economy minister of Ukraine (2020–21)

"Andrea's book addresses one of the fastest accelerating challenges facing society, our economies, organizations, and even our personal lives in the twenty-first century. This book is not about crisis management. Exponential change is not a single shift but a continuous change of circumstance. The need for tech-savvy leadership, ESG awareness, and ethical leadership has become clear. This book is a must read for those charged with overseeing change and everyone who seeks to understand the nature of the exponential change we are only beginning to experience. As Andrea states, in the Age of Pandora, we must be both innovators and stewards."—Anthony Smith-Meyer, author, governance specialist, and former group compliance officer and banker

"Andrea Bonime-Blanc's Governing Pandora provides a timely and insightful exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by exponential technologies. A valuable resource for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of our rapidly evolving world at a time when broad, intense change will be the constant."—Toby Eduardo Redshaw, CEO, Verus Advisory

"As a biotech startup CEO and scientist, I see firsthand how rapidly advancing technologies are reshaping industries—and how boards, executives, and decision-makers must evolve to keep pace. Governing Pandora is more than just a guide; it defines a new field of governance that will be essential for the future of business. With sharp insights and real-world strategies, this book equips leaders to embrace innovation while mitigating risk, ensuring they don't just react to change but stay ahead of it. A must read for anyone serious about governing in the age of technological disruption and geopolitical change."—Michael T. Marquardt, CEO, Epi One, Inc

"Aptly named, Governing Pandora is both optimistic and realistic at the same time. Bonime-Blanc draws out the great impacts emerging technologies (including quantum) will have while integrating their attendant risks and responsibilities. Her inclusion of quantum's effects on risk and polyrisk, adaptive governance, and tech trustworthiness are great examples of the depth with which she tackles critical issues. The book is loaded with practical suggestions for countries, companies, and colleagues to consider in order to future-proof our collective paths ahead."—Tom Patterson, global lead, Emerging Technology Security at Accenture

"Governing Pandora is an insightful and engaging integration of technology, geopolitics, business, and even a little mythology. The author's style captures the tenor of the digital age—interconnected, fast-paced, uncertain yet hopeful."—Larry Clinton, president, Internet Security Alliance

Contributors

Supplemental Materials

Awards

About the Author

Andrea Bonime-Blanc, JD/PhD, is founder and CEO of GEC Risk Advisory and adviser on the strategic governance of risk, geopolitics, ethics, sustainability, and tech for business, nongovernmental organizations, and government. She is the author of several books, including Gloom to Boom: How Leaders Transform Risk into Resilience and Value.