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.
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NEWS
Forest management: Resilience to fires
More frequent droughts can lead to an increase in the number of forest fires in Germany. Together with other KIT institutes, ITAS wants to contribute to a better understanding of their dynamics and to making the forest more resistant.
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World without cash - changes in the classic banking and payment systems
The interim results of the short study “World without Cash” on current trends and developments in the payment traffic ecosystem will be discussed with experts in a public expert meeting.
Final repository search: Head of ITAS takes over chair of Support Body
Armin Grunwald is the new co-chairman of the National Support Body for the search for a final nuclear waste repository. During the inaugural meeting, Grunwald explained that the body has to play a proactive role in the selection process in the future.
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Paper on 3D printing: Technology assessment is needed
A statement by the German academies of science highlights research needs, potentials, and options for action in dealing with additive manufacturing processes. One of the authors is Rafaela Hillerbrand, professor of philosophy of technology at ITAS.
Real-world lab: Experimental book “Dein Quartier und Du”
The ITAS real-world lab “District Future” presents a multi-perspective book about research, change, and approaches for a good future for all of us. It depicts the events surrounding the experiment series “Your SustainabilityExperiment”.
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