Technology Assessment in Europe; between Method and Impact — The TAMI Project

Abstract

Technology Assessment (TA) is usually described as problem oriented research. This is not however a proper portrayal of TA since many research endeavours can be described as problem oriented. When, for instance, a natural scientist designs an experiment in order to verify a theory or an engineer plans the construction of a bridge, this can also be described as problem oriented research. While these examples represent scientific or technical problems, TA has to deal also with social, political or environmental problems, which are embedded outside science and technology but derive from and refer to scientific issues. Moreover, TA does research on the potential consequences of these developments, the use and the disposal of new technical artefacts or on the development, use and output of new technical production systems. TA contributes to the decision but not necessarily to the technical realisation. In the example of planning the construction of a bridge, TA would deal with the basic question “is there a need for a bridge crossing to the river?” and consider this against the alternative options (e.g. ferry). If necessary, TA would delve into technical aspects (e.g. by comparing the pros and cons of a suspension, rotating or draw bridge). The argumentative ground for these decisions refers to consequences (health, social, economic, environmental, etc.) resulting from the different options.