The Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) investigates scientific and technological developments with a focus on their impacts and possible systemic and unintended effects. It produces analytical knowledge and assessments of socio-technical developments in order to provide policy and design options for decision-makers. The research covers ethical, ecological, economic, social, political-institutional, and cultural questions. Major goals are advice for research and technology policy, provision of knowledge for the design of socio-technical systems, and the organization and observation of discursive processes on open and controversial questions of technology policy.
Welcome to ITAS
NEWS
Project on resilience of urban trees and forests
Sustaining urban green is fundamental to human well-being as growing cities face increasing impacts from climate change and pollution. A new BMBF-funded project led by ITAS will develop strategies for increasing resilience of city trees and urban forests.
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Call for Papers: European TA conference
In November 2019 the European TA community meets in Bratislava. The conference puts up for discussion how technology assessment and related activities can contribute to policy making on science, technology and innovation. The 1st call ends 31 March 2019.
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“Precise” medicine with side effects
The combination of artificial intelligence, modern human genomics, and genome editing could enable new therapies for diseases, but also non-medical “genetic improvements”. ITAS analyzes the consequences and develops options for action.
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Health apps on the test bench
Almost every day new health apps come onto the market. The TAB-Arbeitsbericht Nr. 179 presents trends and developments and depicts socio-political options for action.
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Towards a global TA
Worldwide effects of technologies require a Technology Assessment (TA) beyond national borders. This provides the starting point for the edited book, which examines TA activities across the globe also regarding common approaches to global challenges.
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