Sunday, 16 February 2014: 1:30 PM-4:30 PM
Regency A (Hyatt Regency Chicago)A technology assessment, as defined by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), is the thorough and balanced analysis of significant primary, secondary, indirect, and delayed interactions of a technological innovation with society, the environment, and the economy, and the present and foreseen consequences and effects of those interactions. Technology assessments, as a tool for policy analysis, can be used to answer specific questions about a technology’s feasibility or effectiveness, the costs and benefits of a specific technology or technological alternatives, or present and future consequences of technological developments. Technology assessments in the United States were conducted at the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment from 1972 to 1995. Since 2002, U.S. Congress has directed GAO to conduct technology assessments. To date, GAO technology assessment reports include topics such as cybersecurity for critical infrastructure protection and climate engineering. This session focuses on the current status and challenges in conducting technology assessments globally. Topics discussed include the following: What is the current status of technology assessments in the U.S. and internationally? What is the role of industry, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations? How are technology assessments informing policy-makers and citizens, both in the U.S. and around the world? What are key challenges and successes?
Umesh Thakkar, U.S. Government Accountability Office
Virginia A. Chanley, GAO