Indicator work
Context-neutralizing and context-open strategies in the analysis of complex problems
Abstract
The analysis of complex problems, e.g., using indicators, is part of technology assessment (TA) practice. The term “indicator work” illustrates that the selection of indicators is, besides general rules, based on individual decisions. The hypothesis is that TA uses two analytical strategies: context-neutralizing and context-open variants. Looking at an example of sustainability analysis in TA, we will show how the tension between the two strategies can be made transparent by procedural norms in indicator work. Normative transparency can be ensured by reflective indicator work in TA.

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