Technology Assessment: Approaches, Challenges, and Areas

The purpose of the research was to identify approaches to technology assessment (TA) and challenges of conducting TA and its areas. This applied research adopted a descriptive-analytical and meta-synthesis approach. First, the available literature on TA was studied and analyzed. Then, 10 international organizations of TA were carefully studied in terms of aims and approaches as well as important research areas. The data were gathered by referring to websites, analyzing news, research projects, etc. Having investigated the areas on which these organizations conduct TA, 171 areas were identified. Then, based on the information collected, a questionnaire was developed. As many as 31 experts completed the questionnaire. The analysis of the questionnaires indicated that conducting inter-disciplinary research, inter-organizational cooperation, drafting laws and regulations, establishing an independent institution are all necessary for TA. An appropriate method for TA should be comprehensive and help us achieve our goals. Participatory methods and Delphi method are the best methods used for TA. Political and organizational issues, economic issues, and social issues were the most important areas needing attention for TA. Furthermore, “field study” is the best method for identifying and analyzing the views of the general public on technologies. Social acceptance of technology, its opposition with customs and traditions, and its influence on people’s health, security, and privacy should be taken into account as well. Based on experts’ views, the areas needing the most urgent attention for Iran included air pollution, energy policies, artificial intelligence, smart networks of energy, cyber security, and social media.