Comparative Table of Parliamentary TA Institutions
GERMANY - OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AT THE GERMAN BUNDESTAG
Target Groups
In accordance with its mandate, the work of TAB
is focused on the German Bundestag. An important role in parliamentary
proceedings is played by the committees to which TAB reports are
routinely forwarded for deliberation. These committees are crucial
actors in using and disseminating the findings of TAB. Over time, the
range of committees initiating TA studies (and discussing TAB reports)
has grown considerably.
Besides this primary audience, all other Members of Parliament,
parliamentary committees, staff of the parliamentary political parties
and of Members of Parliament as well as the Scientific Service of
German Bundestag comprise the audience for and potential users of the
results of TA processes. In addition there are study commissions, to
which there are often close informal contacts. The Federal and State
ministries also follow the work of TAB with close interest. Finally,
companies, government agencies, research institutions and educational
institutions and - not least - interested members of the public also
call upon TAB findings.
Parliamentary TA is also designed as a forum for public
discussion. Intensive communication of project results, e.g. by
presentations at public sessions of the Committee, workshops with
experts and representatives of societal organisations (interest groups,
NGOs), and press conferences and discussions enhance the visibility of
parliamentary TA. In this way it becomes clear to a broad public that
German Bundestag is also looking beyond daily business, to take a
scientifically well-based approach to long-term prospects in
technological and social development.