What is Technology Assessment?
The Institute’s Technology Assessment division identifies the social and societal effects of new developments in science and technology. It analyses such developments and brings them to the attention of the government, parliament and the general public.
Research
The topics studied by the Technology Assessment division are extremely diverse. Some, such as nanotechnology and synthetic biology, fall under the heading of ‘cutting edge’ technologies, while the division also devotes attention to areas such as energy distribution, agriculture, public health or the design and use of large-scale databases.
The main focus of the Technology Assessment division is on those developments which are likely to have a significant societal impact. It carefully scrutinizes those technologies which raise new moral issues or which are likely to divide political and public opinion. Examples include biotechnology, which opens the possibility of creating synthetic organisms or ‘artificial life’. Researchers carefully identify and document all possible consequences.
Public debate
The Technology Assessment division then brings its findings to the attention of policy-makers and ensures that the developments are given a place on the political agenda. It also promotes general discussion of the research topics, making an active contribution to the public debate.
The Rathenau Institute’s experts are regular contributors to the public media. The Technology Assessment division also takes every opportunity to publicize its work at festivals, conferences and debates. It publishes its own newsletter and makes full use of digital technology, including the social media, in engaging NGOs, stakeholder groups and the general public.
Political opinion forming
The Technology Assessment divisions assists in the process of political opinion forming through direct contact with both houses of the Dutch parliament and the European Parliament. Its staff are called as expert witnesses at formal hearings, and they take part in round table discussions and expert meetings. The Rathenau Institute also strives to ensure that all reports and other products are relevant and accessible to decision-makers at all levels.
International network
The social and societal consequences of technological developments are not limited to any one country but will be felt at the international level. The Rathenau Institute therefore works closely alongside various other leading European Technology Assessment institutes. It is part of the EPTA network and the European Technology Assessment Group (ETAG). The Rathenau Institute is regularly called upon to undertake research on behalf of the European Parliament as part of the ongoing Science and Technology Options Assessment (STOA) programme. The Rathenau Institute also organizes international conferences and takes part in joint projects alongside its international partners.
Independent and impartial
Because the role of the Technology Assessment division is to identify and advise on social dilemmas, its independence and impartiality must be guaranteed at all times. The division’s work is fully transparent and in the public domain. Almost all publications are available online.
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