Methods play a central role in technology assessment (TA). Knowledge about the consequences and risks of technology must be generated, discussed, evaluated and – last but not least – communicated. The conference of the Institute of Technology Assessment (ITA) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, which will take place on June 4 2024, will focus on how new methods influence the determination of results and what standards there should be in the future.
Not only society, but also research must adapt to new developments and technologies. One example: the digitalization of research has far-reaching consequences, some of which should be critically evaluated. On the other hand, there are tried and tested methods of technology assessment such as participatory scenario development or interviews with experts.
The conference will also discuss which typical TA methods have proven their worth and what challenges TA practitioners face when it comes to AI applications or fact processing relevant to political decisions.