[Discussion paper]: Tacit knowledge and biological weapons regime

Section II of the Background information document submitted by the Implementation Support Unit on new scientific and technological developments relevant to the Convention stated: “Although first class research continues to rely heavily upon tacit knowledge, the availability of web-based technologies is facilitating the transfer of tacit knowledge through the creation of worldwide formal or informal learning communities or partnerships... The report notes a number of current examples, and also suggests that an area for future in-depth analysis is the changing nature of tacit knowledge, of which intangible technology is a subset, as kits and other resources make it easier for less skilled individuals to carry out work that once required significant training.” This paper seeks to explore some of the implications of advances science and technology in relation to the maintenance of tacit knowledge barriers to the development of biological weapons. It begins by sketching out some of the work of science and technology scholars (particularly the work of Collins) to categorise different types of tacit knowledge. The paper proceeds to explore how developments particularly in the field of information and communications technologies have the potential to partially erode aspects of tacit knowledge.