Conducting technology assessments

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.

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.

Technology assessments should not be motivated by political or commercial consideration, or by the need to reach immediately applicable solutions.