Subtopic Societal decision-making in the knowledge society

At present, the transition to a knowledge society is seen as a fundamental societal development. The importance of knowledge has increased in all areas of society, especially due to the growing inclusion of scientific knowledge in political, economic, and social decisions. Scientific knowledge is an essential factor of technological developments. In this context, societal questions on the production, distribution, accessibility, regulation, and organization of this knowledge and the legitimization of related decisions are being raised.

Science as organization and form of knowledge is also changing. Apart from basic and applied research new forms of science evolve, especially due to new societal demands. In particular this can be observed in the development of precautionary research and strategic knowledge to solve global problems like climate change or future energy supply. However, in many cases epistemic uncertainties of this knowledge become apparent too, especially regarding the non-intended impacts of knowledge and technology use or concerning the prognostic ability of future scientific and technological developments. With growing knowledge production, decision-makers and affected groups also become aware of the non-knowledge about the impacts of science and technology, which is, among others, exemplified by the case of genetically modified organisms.

The research area analyzes changes in knowledge structure and societal decision-making, particularly in the context of the use and shaping of technology. The results contribute to scientific advice for politics and other decision-makers, the further development of existing forms of the shaping of technology, and to the reflection of scientific and technological developments. The work of the research area thematically takes up international research in the social sciences and humanities and the discussions on knowledge society, knowledge and technology policy as well as social shaping of technology. Methodologically it refers to the scientific practice of technology assessment, whose concepts and implementations have to be adapted to new societal challenges. Research in this sub-topic includes the research fields ‘Knowledge and Technology Policy’, ‘Technological Change and Social Dynamics’ as well as ‘Concepts and Methods of Technology Assessment’.

Source: Wikimedia Commons