About the Project

Goals

To review and analyze the past and current practice of technology assessment, and identify the barriers of institutionalization of TA in Japan.

To develop an innovative TA technique applying the Problem Structuring Method and test its effectiveness through implementing TA for nanotechnologies.

To propose innovative approaches to, as well as techniques for, the TA that is appropriate for the 21st century and a recommendation for their institutionalization in Japan.

Four Project Areas

Project 1: Institutional analysis on the past and current practice of “fragmented” TA in Japan

• How "fragmented" TA was implemented in Japan? Why did it happen? What were the consequences of "fragmented" TA (instead of comprehensive TA)?
• Why has TA never been institutionalized in the Japanese policy-making processes, while it could be in other countries? And what were the consequences of such "lack of institutionalization" of TA in Japan?
• What were the experiences of TA in other countries, with regard to comprehensive TA and institutionalization?
• What are the possible preconditions for institutionalizing TA in Japan?

Project 2: Review and Development of Innovative Methods of TA

• Need for new methodologies for TA;
  • Dealing with “diversified” value systems and stakeholders
  • Uncertainties in both development paths and societal impacts of technology innovation
• Review of innovative methods for TA in other countries;
• Explore and identify key conditions of new TA; and
• Develop a new method of TA by incorporating Problem Structuring Method;

Project 3: Applying the TA techniques to nanotechnologies

• Target Applications
  • Clinical testing/medicine
  • Energy conversion/storage
  • Food processing
• Selection Criteria
  • High social needs
  • Relatively clear application
  • Near commercialization
• TA Panel
  • Step by Step approach
  • Involving various stakeholders
  • Output
• Lessons for Institutionalization

Project 4: Proposal for Innovation and Institutionalization of TA in Japan

• Based on the outcome of Projects 1 to 3, we will make proposals and recommendations for innovation and institutionalization of TA in Japan
• Recommendations for Social-decision making process
  • How to structuralize “comprehensive TA” with “fragmented TA activities”?
  • How to link and coordinate “government sponsored TA” with “voluntary, private-sectors’ TA activities”?
  • How to build up “partnerships in TA” among key stakeholders and institutions?
• Recommendations for Institutionalization of TA and social infrastructure of TA
  • Who should implement TA?
  • Who should sponsor? How to develop TA expertise?
  • How to assure “independence” of TA? (with fragile financial resource and expertise)