The Activation of Inclusive Behaviours through Self-Awareness of Cognitive Biases: The Contribution of New Web3 Technologies

This paper seeks to advance understanding of the persistent gap between the growing societal and organizational attention to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and the limited reduction of non-inclusive behaviors and practices in real-world contexts. While inclusivity is inherently linked to the cultural and value systems of organizations, it is equally evident that socially undesirable or inappropriate behaviors fall within the realm of individual decision-making. These behaviors are frequently influenced by cognitive biases and prejudices, which tend to perpetuate or normalize inappropriate conduct rather than stigmatizing or sanctioning it. Despite increasing sensitivity to DE&I issues in both societal and organizational domains, training remains the most widely adopted intervention. However, such initiatives often yield only limited short-term awareness and rarely generate enduring structural change. Accordingly, this paper first explores the intersection between DE&I and various forms of knowledge management, with particular attention to interdisciplinary frameworks that integrate diverse epistemological perspectives. Within this framework, the paper highlights the growing relevance of technology not only in terms of content accessibility and knowledge dissemination related to DE&I, but also as a transformative tool in shaping learning processes. Specifically, the focus is on emerging Web3 technologies—most notably immersive solutions such as virtual reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—which hold disruptive potential for reshaping traditional training paradigms. These technologies offer new opportunities for insight into individual decision-making mechanisms and behavioral patterns. The development of advanced immersive applications presents the potential to transcend the limitations of passive cognitive learning by fostering active engagement in dynamic, simulated environments. This facilitates the unconscious acquisition of new skills and behavioral responses. The paper analyzes various implementation strategies and their outcomes, with particular emphasis on integrative approaches that combine VR, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence (AI). These multidimensional solutions appear especially effective in enhancing individual self-awareness and facilitating unconscious behavioral recalibration. The study concludes by proposing an initial conceptual framework that categorizes the range of emerging approaches according to their respective objectives and impacts. It further identifies key strengths and limitations, offering guidance for the more effective design and deployment of DE&I training interventions.