Future-oriented technology assessment (FTA): developments via foresight and anticipation

Abstract

The evolution of FTA (technology foresight, technology forecasting and technology assessment), foresight and anticipation in policymaking reflects a fragmentation that underrates their benefits to policy design and implementation. This shows the need to push for a revived and more integrated role of FTA. This is especially the case when dealing with technology within policy circles. The recent institutionalisation of foresight inside the European Commission at higher political levels has contributed to fostering a foresight and anticipatory culture for policy design and implementation that opens new opportunities for FTA, including in terms of further expanding resilience and readiness to change. However, the slow evolution of FTA as a discipline hampers its ability to function as an enabler for shaping desired futures while building capacity for anticipation and for embracing uncertainties as the future unfolds. The chapter brings to the fore key questions that remain to be answered by practitioners, researchers and policy makers before FTA can fulfil such a promise.