Title: Technology and society: GSS-supported participatory policy analysis

Authors: F.J. Bongers, J.L.A. Geurts, R.E.H.M. Smits

Addresses: Tilburg University, Work and Organisation Research Centre, Research Unit on Policy Studies, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands. Tilburg University, Work and Organisation Research Centre, Research Unit on Policy Studies, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands. Utrecht University, Centre for Science and Innovation Management, Centrumgebouw Noord, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Abstract: This article is about a Group Support System (GSS) used as a participatory instrument in policy analysis. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA) initiated the program ||Technology and Society||. This program aims to encourage the use of technological innovations and applications for the solution of social problems. Tools in this program are technology scans. These scans help to identify innovations and applications. The MEA organised a consultation round which consisted of five GSS-meetings. Policy-relevant actors from politics, trade and industry, knowledge infrastructure and social organisations discussed social problems, concrete technology-based project ideas and criteria for the selection of these project ideas. An answer is given to the question of whether a GSS is an effective tool to support the quality of this type of participatory policy analysis in technology policy-making.

Keywords: GSS; GroupSystems; policy-making, participatory policy analysis; technology policy; technology scans and technology assessment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2000.002815

International Journal of Technology Management, 2000 Vol.19 No.3/4/5, pp.269-287

Published online: 07 Jul 2003 *

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