Client - German Bundestag

Client and target groups

German Bundestag and its committees

Target groups

In accordance with its mandate, the work of TAB is focused on the German Bundestag. The parliamentary committees play an important role in the parliamentary utilization and implementation of TAB's research. They initiate TAB's research topics and discuss TAB reports in committee and plenary sessions. Committees are therefore crucial actors in the use and dissemination of the TAB findings.

Over time, the range of committees initiating TA studies has grown considerably. This growing interest is an important indication of TAB's visibility and acceptance.

Besides the Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment, which is the governing body on TAB (§56a of the Procedural Rules of the German Bundestag), the Committees on Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection and on the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety stand out. Both of these committees often initiate topics in the areas of energy, resources and the environment.

Further audiences

Besides this primary audience, all the other members of parliament, parliamentary bodies, staff of the parliamentary political parties and of members of parliament, and the Scientific Service of German Parliament 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 and educational institutions and - not least - interested members of the public also call upon TAB findings.

The results of TAB's TA activities are documented and made available free of charge in reports and other publications.

Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment

The Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment is responsible for deciding on TAB's work program mainly based on applications of other committees to conduct TA research on selected topics.

The director of TAB is responsible for the scientific findings of TAB.

As TAB's directing body, the Committee on Education, Research and Technology Assessment is responsible for approving final reports, and communicating with the Members of Parliament and its committees. It has a standing »TA rapporteur group«, with one member from each parliamentary political party. This group of rapporteurs prepares all the decisions on TAB to be taken by the committee, from the decision to initiate a TA project to the approval of the final report. The Committee secretariat organizes communication between TAB, the Committee and its TA rapporteur group.

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