A New Approach to TA from Australia

Technology Assessment in Social Context (TASC) is a research project funded by the Australian Research Council from 2006 to 2008. Its primary aim is to develop a framework for technology assessment (TA) for Australia. Drawing on international TA practice and ‘Social Impact Assessment’, TASC also presents a new TA approach for the international TA community. The novelty of TASC is its emphasis on the social nature of technology and the influence of the social context on the nature and impacts of technology. TASC provides a constructive, social systems approach to (1) assess technology in social context and (2) shape technology and social contexts through information, interaction and dialogue.