TATuP – Zeitschrift für Technikfolgenabschätzung in Theorie und Praxis
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Technophile attitudes: A question of personality?
Full text linkThere is a significant discrepancy between explanations of resistance to new technology in German public discourse and the results of empirical research. While disapproval is attributed to personal characteristics, social scientists focus on the socio-technical context of innovation processes. Few studies have investigated the effect of personality traits on the approval or rejection of technology. The TechnikRadar 2018 is a survey based on a random sample of 2,002 respondents. It is designed to empirically explain attitudes toward technology in Germany and contains the Big Five scale, which measures personal traits. Using these data, we analyzed the influence of personal characteristics on attitudes toward technology and found that this predictor had only marginal explanatory power. This is significant for the development and implementation of technology.There is a significant discrepancy between explanations of resistance to new technology in German public discourse and the results of empirical research. While disapproval is attributed to personal characteristics, social scientists focus on the socio-technical context of innovation processes. Few studies have investigated the effect of personality traits on the approval or rejection of technology. The TechnikRadar 2018 is a survey based on a random sample of 2,002 respondents. It is designed to empirically explain attitudes toward technology in Germany and contains the Big Five scale, which measures personal traits. Using these data, we analyzed the influence of personal characteristics on attitudes toward technology and found that this predictor had only marginal explanatory power. This is significant for the development and implementation of technology
Book review: Edler, Jakob; Walz, Rainer (2024): Systems and innovation research in transition. Research questions and trends in historical perspective
Full text linkPractices and concepts of care in sustainability transformations: Critical perspectives in technology assessment
Full text linkThe aim of this TATuP Special topic is to present new research and experience with careconcepts, approaches and practices in the context of sustainability transformations and thusto provide new impetus to technology assessment (TA). We therefore invite scholars to presentand discuss the empirical value of different concepts of care in critically assessing the role oftechnologies in the appropriation and economic valorization of nature and related regulatoryissues in sustainability transformations. The aim of this TATuP Special topic is to present new research and experience with careconcepts, approaches and practices in the context of sustainability transformations and thusto provide new impetus to technology assessment (TA). We therefore invite scholars to presentand discuss the empirical value of different concepts of care in critically assessing the role oftechnologies in the appropriation and economic valorization of nature and related regulatoryissues in sustainability transformations. 
Meeting report: „Politikberatungskompetenzen heute: TA in Zeiten von Polykrisen und technologischem Wandel. 11. Konferenz des Netzwerks Technikfolgenabschätzung“, Conference, 2024, Berlin, DE
Full text linkAgainst the production of smart urban space for growth: Convivializing and democratizing EU regional development funding
Full text linkThe article criticizes the way the EU guides regional development through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Based on David Harvey’s theory of the production of space (2014), it formulates several criticisms: ERDF support for smart urbanism prioritizes private profit and financialization and approaches ecological sustainability from a techno-optimistic perspective. At the same time, smart urbanism ignores the geopolitical ramifications of extractivism and ecologically unequal exchange that underpin it. The article also presents the contours of a degrowth-compatible ERDF: convivial technology as a sociotechnical guiding principle and commons-public partnerships as organizational innovation. Such an approach can help EU regions become more equitable, ecological, and democratic.The article criticizes the way the EU guides regional development through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Based on David Harvey’s theory of the production of space (2014), it formulates several criticisms: ERDF support for smart urbanism prioritizes private profit and financialization and approaches ecological sustainability from a techno-optimistic perspective. At the same time, smart urbanism ignores the geopolitical ramifications of extractivism and ecologically unequal exchange that underpin it. The article also presents the contours of a degrowth-compatible ERDF: convivial technology as a sociotechnical guiding principle and commons-public partnerships as organizational innovation. Such an approach can help EU regions become more equitable, ecological, and democratic
Human-centered design of artificial-intelligence-assisted work systems in healthcare: Findings from multi-stakeholder dialogues
Full text linkArtificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technologies, such as decision support and monitoring systems, hold the potential to significantly improve efficiency and quality of care in the health sector. However, given the impact that such technologies can also have on work requirements and the moral agency of healthcare personnel, it is imperative – from an occupational safety and health perspective – to incorporate established criteria for human-centered work design and ethical design criteria into technology development throughout the entire life cycle. Existing AI guidelines and regulations such as the EU’s AI Act address this imperative; however, suitable approaches for effectively integrating corresponding criteria into risk assessment and compliance processes are still lacking. This article presents the methodological approach and key findings from two multi-stakeholder dialogues, which identify starting points for the human-centered development of AI-assisted healthcare technologies.Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technologies, such as decision support and monitoring systems, hold the potential to significantly improve efficiency and quality of care in the health sector. However, given the impact that such technologies can also have on work requirements and the moral agency of healthcare personnel, it is imperative – from an occupational safety and health perspective – to incorporate established criteria for human-centered work design and ethical design criteria into technology development throughout the entire life cycle. Existing AI guidelines and regulations such as the EU’s AI Act address this imperative; however, suitable approaches for effectively integrating corresponding criteria into risk assessment and compliance processes are still lacking. This article presents the methodological approach and key findings from two multi-stakeholder dialogues, which identify starting points for the human-centered development of AI-assisted healthcare technologies
Long-term transition governance and regional innovation cultures: A comparative perspective
Full text linkMany regions face pressures to embark on economic, technological, social, and ecological transitions, which often challenge existing regional identities and governance approaches. This paper examines how two regions – the Rhenish Region, affected by the lignite phase-out, and Heilbronn-Franken, confronted with digitalization and global competition in its industrial “Mittelstand” – reconcile long-term transition governance and regional innovation pressures. Despite distinct challenges, both regions share a top-down governance approach, a focus on education and R&D, corporatist actor constellations, dedicated technology implementation strategies, and an emphasis on stability. Within these similarities, socio-economic and cultural differences exist; however, the similarities suggest a mutual learning potential. We propose two levels of reflexivity in long-term governance and argue that these commonalities should be used in national or global strategies for greater inclusivity and effectiveness.Many regions face pressures to embark on economic, technological, social, and ecological transitions, which often challenge existing regional identities and governance approaches. This paper examines how two regions – the Rhenish Region, affected by the lignite phase-out, and Heilbronn-Franken, confronted with digitalization and global competition in its industrial “Mittelstand” – reconcile long-term transition governance and regional innovation pressures. Despite distinct challenges, both regions share a top-down governance approach, a focus on education and R&D, corporatist actor constellations, dedicated technology implementation strategies, and an emphasis on stability. Within these similarities, socio-economic and cultural differences exist; however, the similarities suggest a mutual learning potential. We propose two levels of reflexivity in long-term governance and argue that these commonalities should be used in national or global strategies for greater inclusivity and effectiveness
An approach for prioritizing types of TA-knowledge for long-term governance of mobility
Full text linkSeveral new technologies are expected to unfold their transformative potential in the mobility sector in the coming decades. Examples include electric vehicles (EVs), automated vehicles (AVs), or blockchain technology. Long-term governance must take these innovations into account, supported by knowledge from technology assessment (TA). A transparent and comprehensible choice of TA methods is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to long-term strategic decisions that may influence the direction of socio-technical transitions. This article proposes a typology of innovations in the mobility sector that helps justify and legitimize the prioritization of TA knowledge and methods.Several new technologies are expected to unfold their transformative potential in the mobility sector in the coming decades. Examples include electric vehicles (EVs), automated vehicles (AVs), or blockchain technology. Long-term governance must take these innovations into account, supported by knowledge from technology assessment (TA). A transparent and comprehensible choice of TA methods is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to long-term strategic decisions that may influence the direction of socio-technical transitions. This article proposes a typology of innovations in the mobility sector that helps justify and legitimize the prioritization of TA knowledge and methods
Effective and democratic long-term radioactive waste governance: Lessons from Europe
Full text linkRadioactive waste management (RWM) presents a complex long-term governance challenge due to its decades-to-centuries-long timeframes and associated uncertainties. In response to societal resistance to top-down governance approaches, most European countries have adopted new strategies to make RWM governance more democratic and effective. This article explores how four interlinked key areas of long-term governance – decision-making, public participation, knowledge, and financing – are shaped by various European countries through interconnected procedures, principles, and institutions. It identifies nine lessons for democratic and effective long-term RWM governance, concluding that a stepwise, participatory approach is a promising strategy to deal with the uncertainties and democratic deficits inherent in long-term issues. However, realizing this potential requires a continuous search for adequate procedures, principles, and institutions.Radioactive waste management (RWM) presents a complex long-term governance challenge due to its decades-to-centuries-long timeframes and associated uncertainties. In response to societal resistance to top-down governance approaches, most European countries have adopted new strategies to make RWM governance more democratic and effective. This article explores how four interlinked key areas of long-term governance – decision-making, public participation, knowledge, and financing – are shaped by various European countries through interconnected procedures, principles, and institutions. It identifies nine lessons for democratic and effective long-term RWM governance, concluding that a stepwise, participatory approach is a promising strategy to deal with the uncertainties and democratic deficits inherent in long-term issues. However, realizing this potential requires a continuous search for adequate procedures, principles, and institutions