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
openTA workshop
On 16 and 17 May 2019, the 8th workshop of the online portal openTA will take place. At the event "Young science and digital communities: Chances, challenges and importance of online specialist portals in cyberscience 2.0" a manifesto for a TA portal will be created.
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Sustainable batteries of tomorrow
In the Cluster of Excellence POLiS, 25 research groups are working on high-performance battery technologies beyond lithium. ITAS accompanies the development process with the aim of considering environmental, economic, and social aspects from the outset.
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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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TATuP on Normativity in TA
Technology assessment (TA) has to deal with the conflict between commitment and neutrality. The current TATuP issue 1/2019 questions the myth of neutrality in TA and wants to further the debate on its normative aspects.
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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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