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Ethics, Regulation, and Governance in Dual-Use Research: A Systematic Review

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  • Amirah Aisha Badrul Hisham

    (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Nor Ashikin Mohamed Yusof

    (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

  • Mega Novita

    (Universitas PGRI Semarang, Jl. Sidodadi Timur No. 24, Semarang, 50232, Central Java, Indonesia)

Abstract

This systematic review explores dual-use research challenges, synthesizing insights on ethical, regulatory, and governance aspects. Dual-use research, with its potential for both beneficial and harmful applications, demands careful examination to balance innovation and public safety. This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, analyzing 28 articles sourced from Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, PubMed, and Sage databases. The analysis identifies three themes: (1) Ethics and philosophical perspectives, (2) Regulatory frameworks and export control mechanisms, and (3) Technological applications and governance approaches. The findings emphasize the critical need for ethical education, collaborative governance, and adaptive regulatory frameworks to address dual-use risks. Key challenges include inconsistent regulatory definitions, fragmented implementation, and gaps in international cooperation. By integrating ethical considerations into research practices and aligning regulatory efforts globally, the study highlights pathways to enhance governance and reduce misuse risks. This review provides actionable insights for policymakers, researchers, and institutions, advancing the discourse on responsibly managing dual-use innovations.

Suggested Citation

  • Amirah Aisha Badrul Hisham & Nor Ashikin Mohamed Yusof & Mega Novita, 2025. "Ethics, Regulation, and Governance in Dual-Use Research: A Systematic Review," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(4), pages 338-348, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-4:p:338-348
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yang Xue & Hanzhi Yu & Geng Qin, 2021. "Towards Good Governance on Dual-Use Biotechnology for Global Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Timothy M. Peterson, 2021. "Sanctions and Third-party Compliance with US Foreign Policy Preferences: An Analysis of Dual-use Trade," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 65(10), pages 1820-1846, November.
    3. C. Raina MacIntyre, 2015. "Re-thinking the ethics of dual-use research of concern on transmissible pathogens," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 129-132, March.
    4. Matthew J Page & Joanne E McKenzie & Patrick M Bossuyt & Isabelle Boutron & Tammy C Hoffmann & Cynthia D Mulrow & Larissa Shamseer & Jennifer M Tetzlaff & Elie A Akl & Sue E Brennan & Roger Chou & Jul, 2021. "The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, March.
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