Einordnung der Methoden der Technikfolgenabschätzung in das Gefüge der Wissenschaften

If technological change is to be adapted to social change, it is always advisable to gain information on the expected direction of technology developments before embarking on the forecasting and evaluation of technology impacts. In this respect, too, technology indicators can be of use; thus the area of technology monitoring and research policy has to be considered in conjunction with technology impact assessment. An important research field is opening up here. Both prospective and quantitative research and technology assessment should be used together more intensively in an integrated approach to technology impact evaluation. Just as technology assessment constitutes a useful method for the support of rational discussion and decision-making processes, so systematic technology monitoring can be used in the weighing and construction of alternative technological options. Moreover, the "re-identifiability" of many scientific and technological indicators makes it possible to build up a pi cture of the activities of the individual actors: it is not only important to know what is being developed, but also to know who is giving impetus to this development, and who is ignoring it. This view of technology impact assessment can be very enlightening, especially regarding the planned new developments of international concerns, as it highlights the interactions of the participants. The paper provides a short summary of four recent studies that combined both forecasting and impact assessment aspects.