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
Race into a new space era?
A new TAB project provides an overview of developments and perspectives in German space research and industry, particularly against the background of current innovations and start-up dynamics.
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ITAS welcomes guest researcher from the U.S.
Erik Fisher is dedicated to improve the social dimensions of science and technology. The professor from the Arizona State University (ASU) visits Karlsruhe to strengthen ties between TA and his Socio-Technical Integration Research (STIR) approach.
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Thematic evening "Endlager? Nein danke"
On Monday, 22. October 2018, at 6 p.m. the next session of the ITAS series of events technik.kontrovers will take place. Scientists and the audience will discuss about suitable solutions for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste.
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Technology Assessment in Practice and Theory
Head of ITAS Armin Grunwald gives a comprehensive overview on the field of TA – including the motivations for TA, its history and current practices. Based on profound experience he also provides a fresh theoretical perspective on TA in a global context.
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ITAS Yearbook 2018 published
Scarcity of resources, converging infrastructures, digital transformation, and long-term governance: The first purely English Yearbook of the institute highlights selected topics and projects related to major societal issues.
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