Technology assessment

Technology assessment (TA) is a multidisciplinary field of policy analysis. It studies the societal effects of the introduction of new technology. The term technology assessment has been defined in different ways. Some definitions focus on technology assessment as a process, others on the product, and others on technology assessment as an organization.

Definition

The term technology assessment is often used to describe the study of the impacts that a technology can have on society. This includes both the direct effects of a technology, as well as its indirect effects. The direct effects can include changes in productivity, employment, and distribution of income. The indirect effects can include changes in the environment, public health, and the structure of society.

History

The concept of technology assessment has its roots in the work of the US Congress's Office of Technology Assessment (OTA). The OTA was established in 1972 to provide Congress with objective and authoritative analysis of the complex scientific and technical issues of the late 20th century. It was a leader in practicing and encouraging delivery of public services in innovative and inexpensive ways, including early involvement in distributing government documents through electronic publishing. Its model was widely copied around the world.

Methodology

The methodology of technology assessment is based on the assumption that every technology has intended and unintended consequences. These consequences can be positive or negative, and they can occur in the short term or the long term. The goal of technology assessment is to predict these consequences and to find ways to maximize the positive effects and minimize the negative effects.

See also

• Science and technology studies
• Technology forecasting
• Technology policy
• Technology and society
• Technology lifecycle
• Technology acceptance model
• Technology readiness level

References

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