Beyond systems analysis to a multidimensional approach in technology assessment

The predominantly empirical model-based approaches utilized for system analysis challenges its contributions in informing/supporting socio-political discussions, decision processes and measures development at the nexus of science, technology, policy and society. Despite a scope extension in recent years from the empirical- and quantitative-focused system analysis to include a consideration of qualitative and intangible aspects in the socio-political dimensions, the potential applicability and contribution of an integrated approach to generate systemic and multidimensional insights that are associated with technology innovations/deployments remain lacking in the extant literature. To address this gap, this chapter presents a multidimensional approach which integrates theoretical/conceptual approaches and methodologies from multiple disciplines for technology assessment. It also illustrates how the multidimensional socio-technological-ecological-economical-political (i.e., STEEP) approach-building on system analysis and integrating a consideration of the human dimension-can contribute to a systemic assessment of alternative transformation routes based on the example of the chemical industry in Germany.