Technology assessment explained by the example of peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the Federal Republic of Germany

The study reviews technology assessment (TA), i.e. the instrument, and the way it has been used and is currently used in the F.R.G., for solving problems induced by technologies. The first part of the study presents the historical background and evolution of nuclear energy policy and discusses the rationality of large-scale technological innovation. The second part deals with the assessment of the nuclear technology, explaining aspects such as social acceptance, the institutional network established for TA, and the 'experiment of parallel research: TA between the two poles of producing an alibi, or creating consensus, assessment of the waste disposal sector, social compatibility, research into problems affecting public acceptance. In conclusion, the study goes into related aspects in connection with nuclear technology assessments, and the social learning process that has set in. (HSCH)