Technology assessment in a complex world

Abstract

Originally, the Technology Assessment (TA) concept was aimed at developing a scientifically based and research-oriented consultancy, analysing current and potential societal impacts of technological innovations. In the opinion of the authors, this basic concept, based on the principles of research, assessment and advice, has still not become outdated. However, the further differentiation of scientific and technological 'progress' results in problems that change the relation of the intended goals of technology and the unintended consequences. This change cannot only be assessed as cognitive phenomenon but increasingly manifests itself as a societal problem. In this paper, the authors will show how selected TA concepts concentrate on individual aspects such as potential of technology for innovation, design of technological processes or an explicit assessment of technology development. However, they support a TA concept with a stronger focus on (re)considering and reflecting on the unintended side effects from a factual, social and temporal point of view.