TATuP Issue 2/2015 published

The new issue of "Technology Assessment – Theory and Practice" (TATuP) focuses on the topic of "Technology and Care in a Society of Longer Living".

Forecasts of an "aging society" or "care crisis" characterize public and scientific debates about demographic change. Here, the visions of technical solutions for the future care of the elderly play a crucial role. In the contributions to the main topic of this issue of TATuP, they are examined from various disciplinary perspectives. The question is posed as to how "needs-based" care for people can be designed in different care contexts.

This interdisciplinary research and discussion is needed to examine the relationship between human needs and the logic of technical systems. To meet this, the authors take a "qualitative" view and look at technology developments from a gerontological perspective as well as at their methodological and methodical aspects. In addition, they open a TA perspective on technology in care. Central are the debates about the potential of technology in complex activities and at the same time of the demand orientation of interaction, relationship and care work in nursing.

The current issue also includes an interview with Markus Schmidt, one of the two initiators of the "BIO·FICTION Science, Art & Film Festival" which shed light on various aspects and possible social impacts of synthetic biology in an artistic way. Furthermore, the new TATuP issue reports on the major international conference "The Next Horizon of TA" and its importance for the exchange and reflection on topics, methods and new conceptual challenges of TA. In addition, you will find other conference reports, book reviews, and presentations of TA-relevant projects, such as the new ABIDA project which aims at identifying developments, challenges and options for action around Big Data. The issue also contains news from ITAS, TAB and the Network TA.