Technology assessment

Technology assessment – An
introduction


What is it all about

◦ Is it assessment of technology for
 It’s commercial suitability
Commercial implement-ability
Commercial viability
◦
Answer is No


It is all about analysis of impact of

technology on Society
Technology assessment – An
introduction
It is based on the conviction that
scientific discoveries are for
society at large rather for
scientific community itself

Scientists normally are not aware
and exposed to basics of ethics.

In essence technology
assessment is:
 Study of impact of technology on
Technology assessment -
Need


Technology has raised ourstandard

of living and thus its
advancement is inevitable


But, technology development has

associated problems and
uncertainties too.

It could have direct bearing on
fundamental of our lives

Technology assessment -
Need
Consequential uncertainty and
fear in adoption of new
technology is not only a social
problem

It also posses challenge to
policy maker – why?

The consequences can be very
complex and even experts on
Technology assessment -
Need


Outcome of TA many not be a very

super expert opinions but it do
points out
◦ Where experts are agreeing
◦ Where controversies / disagreement
are existing
◦ Consequential fears lies behind these
disagreement /agreement
◦ possible solution with associated pros
and cons
◦

Technology assessment -
Need
TA provides elaboration on
technology which are not
exclusive based on technical
efficiency and economic
rational.

It also consider social and
ecological consequences in
adoption of such technology

Technology assessment –
Purpose
The basic aim of TA is to asses
the technology induced
possible risk with in its social,
legal, political, cultural and
ecological frame work

Give decision oriented options
– explicitly explaining social
interest linked with the
development and use of new
technology
Technology assessment –
Purpose

Technical developments are
ultimately influenced by the
society rather than solely by
their logics

It also put forth concept of
constructive and
participatory approach


Technology assessment –
Methodology
Technology assessment is a
systematic, comprehensive
interdisciplinary analysis
approach.

It deals with unintended and
long term effects

Due to basic nature of work, it
uses variety of quantitative
and qualitative methods for
Technology assessment –
Methodology
Analysis methods include
◦ Brainstorming
◦ Expert consultation
◦ Case studies
◦ Computer simulation
◦ Literature search
◦ Public involvement
◦


◦

Technology assessment –
Methodology
The main components of TA
◦ Description of the technology
◦ Problem definition
◦ Prediction of future technology
development
◦ Description of society and persons
affected
◦ Prediction of social developments
◦ Identification, analysis and evaluation of
consequences
◦ Analysis of political options
◦ Communication of the results in a
generally accessible form
Technology assessment
-Approach
The approach for TA can be
broadly divided into following
major categories


 Projectinduced – Specific to project

wherein important aspect prevails over
global aspects


 Technologyinduced – specific to technology

impact on society and nature


 Problem induced – results in possible

solution to existing or expected problems
Technology assessment
-Approach
The scope and depth of TA
varies with assignment
It may span from
◦ 3man months (Micro) for
providing quick input for
policy decision
◦
◦ 1 to 3 man years (Mini)
◦
◦ 30 or more man years (Macro)
for completing the
Technology assessment
-Institutionalisation
Threetype of TA institutionalization
models are currently being
employed
1.Expert orientation – high in-house
expertise, also involve interest
group
2.
3.Organize and co-ordinate large
scale TA studies through
external experts
4.
5.Mediate general social discussion
TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Description of technology
 BSNL uses communication
technology for providing voice and
data communication services, It
uses
◦ Wireless technology particularly
for mobile voice services and
◦ Wireless & Wireline technology
for internet services
TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Problem Definition
◦ Effect of microwave radiation on
humans
Predictionof future
technology development
◦ It is expected that the number of
microwave radiating elements
are continue to grow with time
Description of society and
persons affected
◦ All human being
TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Identification,analysis and
evaluation of consequences
◦ SAR – Rate at which body absorbs
radiation
Thermal effect
◦ Human body acts as dielectric
◦ Flow of blood in brain controls
the increase of temprature
◦ Not available with eyes –
cornea
◦
TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Non-thermal effect


◦ The German biophysicist Roland

Glaser, find there are several
thermo-receptor molecules in cells
activate a cascade messenger
systems, gene expression
mechanisms to produce heat
shock proteins in order to defend
the cell against metabolic cell
stress caused by heat.

TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Mobile phone and cancer
◦
◦ To investigate the risk of cancer for
the mobile phone user, a
cooperative project between 13
countries has been launched
called INTERPHONE.
◦
Skin disease
Sleep disorders
Dizziness
TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Assessment of effect on health due
to microwave was published by the
European Commission through
 Scientific Committee on Emerging

and Newly Identified Health Risks

(SCENIHR).
 It may cause benign tumour of
the auditory nerve
Result : Restrict radiated power

for handset and BTS &

SAR 1.6W/Kg – America
TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Result :
Restriction imposed on
radiation power of handset
and BTS
SAR Values are fixed at
◦ 1.6W/Kg – by America
◦ 2W/Kg – by Europe


◦

TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Problem Definition
◦ Effect of internet on Society
Predictionof future
technology development
◦ It is expected that the content on
the internet and consequently its
exposure will continue to grow
Description of society and
persons affected
◦ Children and adults
◦
TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Identification,analysis and
evaluation of consequences
◦ Exposure to bad content –
◦ leads the children and adults
away from real world and
makes them insensitive to the
basic human values
◦ It isolate them socially and
they feel loneliness thus
makes their life more stressful

◦
TA Case Studies – BSNL
perspective
Result :
Better regulation for imposing
restricted access of website
Periodic counselings


◦
