What is Technology Assessment?
Technology Assessment (TA) is the process of generating scientifically grounded information about the social and societal aspects of technological developments. In practice, this involves:
- analysing the scientific dimension of a technology, including any controversies surrounding it;
- analysing the manner in which the technology becomes embedded in society, primarily on the basis of the responses of the relevant parties;
- examining the public perception of the issues involved by means of general debate and focus groups.
Target groups
The analyses and knowledge gained are intended for the use of various groups within society, including parliament, ministries, other government departments, stakeholders such as organizations within the science system, societal organizations, the private sector, etc. The knowledge will also be of value to fellow researchers at home and abroad.
Topics and themes
The Rathenau Institutes not only considers the possible impact of new technologies (e.g. nanotechnology, genomics and ambient intelligence) but also that of existing technological systems – nuclear energy, organ donation and water management for example. All topics are brought together within our working programme.
Methods
It can be difficult to identify and understand the societal implications of technological innovations. Information about precisely what is happening behind laboratory doors is not widely available. Occasionally, the discussion can become obfuscated by emotion or entrenched interests. This is certainly the case in the debates on nuclear energy and organ donation.
Instruments
The Rathenau Institute has a number of instruments at its disposal with which it can promote debate on a particular topic. The institute applies a wide range of methods and techniques, both in its analyses and in its communications. They include desk study of existing literature and prognoses, public surveys, focus groups, public and private hearings, formal debates, workshops, symposia, theatre productions, festivals and films.
Execution
The institute conducts all activities within predefined projects, as described in its working programme. The Technology Assessment performs some research itself, but also outsources research work to universities, science journalists and specialist consultancies. An advisory committee made up of experts and representatives of stakeholder organizations monitor the progress and assess the findings of the projects. Where the topics being considered by the institute are international in nature, cooperation with overseas partners may be sought.
International
To keep abreast of developments in other countries, the Rathenau Institute maintains close contact with various sister organizations throughout the world. It is a member of the EPTA network, an alliance of fourteen TA institutes, founded in 1984, which advises the European Parliament. The members of EPTA meet regularly to exchange information and learn from each other's experiences.
In October 2005 the Rathenau Institute joined another international federation, the European Technology Assessment Group (ETAG). We also organize regular international conferences and conduct projects alongside international partners.
The Rathenau Institute also works on behalf of the European Parliament.
STOA (Scientific and Technological Options Assessment) is the Technology Assessment panel of the European Parliament. STOA has decided that all European TA activities should be conducted by organizations such as the Rathenau Institute. We therefore devote considerable attention to the European dimension within all projects, with a view to informing the European Parliament about the societal implications of scientific and technological developments.