New handbook on technology assessment

Leading TA researchers have presented a comprehensive account of their research field. Their handbook describes the history, theory, and practice of TA as well as its institutional entrenchment – and opens up new perspectives for its further development.
Neues Handbuch für Technikfolgenabschätzung
source: Nomos

The complexity of socio-technical challenges and the uncertainty of decisions are increasing – and with them the need for knowledge-based assessment and advice. This is the diagnosis made by Stefan Böschen, Armin Grunwald, Bettina-Johanna Krings, and Christine Rösch, the editors of “Technikfolgenabschätzung. Handbuch für Wissenschaft und Praxis” (Technology Assessment. Handbook for Science and Practice). TA could provide alternative approaches and perspectives on current decision-making processes.

The recently published handbook starts with a critical reconstruction of historically relevant debates, problems, and impacts of TA in such fields as mobility, energy, and digitalization. It answers the questions in which institutional settings TA takes place and how these shape the different forms of TA.

Experiences with TA methods and outlook on future development paths

One focus of the volume is on the particular challenges of problem-oriented research that aims to bring together multiple perspectives – by matching the respective requirements and preconditions. The authors also give an overview of qualitative and quantitative TA methods for the assessment and design of innovations and examine their interactions.

The handbook ends with an outlook on future development paths and challenges for TA. The focus is on challenges such as human rights and the post-growth economy, but also on the internationalization of TA and the specific requirements for knowledge communication. (08.06.2021)

Bibliographic information:

Böschen, Stefan; Grunwald, Armin; Krings, Bettina-Johanna, Rösch, Christine (eds.)
Technikfolgenabschätzung. Handbuch für Wissenschaft und Praxis.
Baden-Baden: Nomos, 2021, approx. 500 p., ISBN 978-3-8487-6070-1
Publisher information