TA-Institutionen und -Programme

by Peter A. Pechan

Technology Assessment, science options assessment, environmental impact assessment, and related activities are rather new in the Czech Republic as a practical, public matter. Historically, in the planned economy period, science and technology had high priority but decreasing efficiency and capability. Any assessment was a part of the official plan, and thus unnecessary as an additional activity. In reality, little attention was paid to the unwanted effects of often massive introduction of technologies, with the resulting environmental, health, and social dislocations. The science and technology sector suffered a serious loss of credibility and trust among ordinary citizens. There is a corresponding increase in the support of pseudo-science.

Several educational and research teams began to address TA and related matters in the 1980's. A small team gathered around Professor Tondl, who is internationally recognised for his work on the history and theory of science and on science policy issues, at the cabinet for the Study of Science, Technology and Society, Institute of Philosophy, Academy of Science, Czech Republic. The research team, the only one in the country, works on STSS (Science, Technology and Society Studies) projects, utilising TA methodology. A sound theoretical basis for understanding of the science and technology processes in modern society, and especially in transforming societies of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), is important to the team. The research should help society and its leaders to understand the role of science and innovation in the transformation process. Team members participated in the development and teaching of postgraduate TA courses at the Czech Technical University, based on a Tempus project grant.

A second group interested in TA began working at the Czech Technical University, basing its approach on the use of models suited for deductive projecting and analysis. TA studies, centering on the impact of transportation and communication technologies were established following international cooperation under a Tempus project. Good links exist now with BETA in Strasbourg and the Technical University in Budapest, as well as to other Czech institutions and governmental bodies.

The third group is associated with the Inter-University Futures Studies Program. The program, administered by the University of Economics, Prague, concentrates on the social and economic assessment of impacts of new technological developments. Expert teams are prepared to evaluate various risks that might arise from the introduction of technologies and implementation of scientific knowledge. The teams can help in the process of generation of social and political acceptance of innovations and transfer of technologies.

The Prague Institute of Advanced Studies (PIAS) developed in the past four years some expertise in networking of international and national programs, projects and experts. PIAS thus came to be a natural hub for European integration activities in the sector of science, technology transfer, innovation and economy - knowledge domain interaction. PIAS accumulated a solid base of knowledge and understanding of science and technology and it functions as an international multi-network hub.

Leaders of the three TA groups in the country have agreed to create and manage a TA section within PIAS. PIAS is thus in a position to be able to meaningfully advise the Parliament of the Czech Republic on scientific and technological options assessment issues, to organise consensus conferences and to fully participate in the processes of informing and educating the public about science and technology progress. PIAS leadership now maintains frequent discussions with the Rapporteur for scientific and technological cooperation with CEE countries of the Council of Europe in the Czech Parliament as well as with other members of Parliament. An International Seminar on Cooperation in Science and Technology organized by PIAS on 27 - 28 November 1995 in Prague enabled members of Parliament, government officials, international experts and scientific and business community leaders to assess the new possibilities for synergies and European cooperation in the domains of economy and knowledge. The meeting might become a starting point for the creation of a new international centre of science, technology transfer and innovation named the 'Prague Science Park'.

In the Slovak Republic, there is currently no institutional basis for TA. Some individuals at universities might be developing expertise and several governmental institutes have close interests in TA.

The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Dr. P. Machleidt, Dr. P. Moos and Dr. F. Petr_asek.

For further information, please contact

Peter Pechan
The Prague Institute of Advanced Studies
U Michelsk_eho Iesa 366
140 00 Praha 4
Czech Republic
Tel.: ++ 42-2-4966 25
Fax: ++ 42-2-4724 750
E-mail: piasCug0∂earn cuut cz