strategy
Conducting technology assessments
Synonyms:
Assessing effects of technologyEvaluating technology
Providing capacity for technology assessment
Description:
An analytical approach to providing a conceptual framework, complete both in scope and time, for decisions about the effects and appropriate utilization of technology for social purposes. The assessment involves: identification and refinement of the subject to be assessed; delineation of the scope of the assessment and development of a data base; identification of alternative strategies to solve the selected problems with the technology under assessment; identification of the parties affected by the selected problems and the technology; identification of the impacts on the affected parties; evaluation or measurement of impacts; comparison of pros and cons of alternative strategies. Implementation:
The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) brings together practitioners, researchers and users of various types of impact assessment, including environmental technology assessment, from across the globe. The International Association for Technology Assessment and Forecasting Institutions (IATAFI) promotes international cooperation among institutions assessing and forecasting the impact of new technology, including the use of environmental technology assessment.The International Association for Technology Assessment and Forecasting Institutions (IATAFI) aims to advance international cooperation among institutions assessing and forecasting the impact of new technology, and to advance local capabilities in technology assessment and forecasting. IATAFI will link together key assessment and forecasting institutions in the world in order to share knowledge, methods, data and other information.
A unique database of technology assessment institutions and projects is available from the Karlsruhe Service Centre Europe.
Claim:
Technology assessments should not be motivated by political or commercial consideration, or by the need to reach immediately applicable solutions. Broader:
Assessing impactsTechnology planningStrengthening capacitytransferring technologyAppropriating relevant technologiesPromoting environmentally sound economic growthImproving long-term environmental policies, technology and risk assessment Narrower:
Testing new technologyMonitoring technological trendsAssessing technology utilizationDetermining applicable technologyDetermining technological capabilitiesAssessing costs of health care technologiesImproving capacity for technology assessmentControlling environmental impact of technologyAssessing socio-cultural impact of communication technologiesAssessing effectiveness of waste minimization measures and technologiesImproving capacity for environmentally sound technology needs assessment Facilitates:
Developing technologiesTechnological forecastingSupporting social technologyManaging technological changeEmploying appropriate technologyAssessing transfer of energy technologiesFacilitating transfer of environmentally sound technologies Facilitated by:
Developing social auditsStrengthening technology educationImproving technology assessment networkSetting up technology assessment centresEstablishing codes of practice for scienceEnhancing scientific and technological researchEnhancing science and technology training Problems:
Health hazards of irradiated foodInadequate capacity for technology assessment
Uncontrolled application of technology
Uncontrolled environmental impact of technology
Worker maladjustment to technology
Organizations:
International Society of Technology Assessment in Health CareInternational Association for Technology Assessment and Forecasting InstitutionsAfrican Regional Centre of TechnologyForecasting and Assessment in the Field of Science and TechnologyAdvanced Technology Assessment System References:
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: Substitute Fuels for Road Transport: a technology assessmentUnited States Congress, Office of Technology Assessment: Global Models: world futures and public policy: a critiqueFried, Jacob and Molnar, Paul: Technological and Social Change: a transdisciplinary model Subjects:
AssessmentEvaluationTechnology Type Classification:
F: Exceptional strategies