Introduction to the Handbook of Technology Assessment

Technology assessment (TA) is an inter- and transdisciplinary research field at the interfaces between science and technology on the one hand, and humans and society, on the other. It aims at providing knowledge and orientation for better-informed and well-reflected decisions for shaping the future technological advance and dealing responsibly with its outcomes and consequences. This Introduction presents the motivations and objectives of the Handbook of Technology Assessment, provides a preliminary understanding of TA which oriented designing the Handbook, gives a brief overview of TA’s emergence and history, and asks for the conceptual identity of technology assessment in face of the variety and diversity of the practice fields involved. Finally, a short guide to the Handbook shall present an overview to the sections and chapters included.