Technology Assessment

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



 Project

induced – Specific to project wherein important aspect prevails over global aspects



 Technology

induced – 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 Three

type 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 Prediction

of 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 Prediction

of 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  

◦ 