New TAB work programme approved: focus on AI, health, sustainability and technological sovereignty
At its meeting on 24 June, the Committee on Research, Technology, Space and Technology Assessment approved the work programme of the Office for Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag (TAB) for 2026/27.
This followed a parliamentar consultation process to identify topics, which the committee chair, Prof. Dr Karl Lauterbach, lauched in spring.He emphasised the importance of a broad selection of topics in doing so.
Around 50 proposals from all parliamentary groups and specialist committees were put forward during the consultation processs. The proposed topics therefore originating directly from within the Bundestag. Based on these proposals, the TAB drew up project plans which the committee adopted following a preliminary selection by the Rapporteurs’ Group TA.
The new initiatives comprise three TA projects and nine TA-Kompakt studies, to be carried out successively until the end of 2027.
Particular focus will be placed on the impact of artificial intelligence on key areas of society. For example, research will examine how AI is transforming the cultural and media sectors, as well as the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences. Other projects will examine the use of AI in healthcare, the potential and risks of AI agents, and new forms of law-making (‘Law as Code’).
Another key focus is the interplay between health, the environment and societal developments. Analyses will address topics such as the spread of antibiotic resistance and new ways of combating it, the potential health effects of micro- and nanoplastics, and the impact of adults’ digital media consumption on adolescents.
The sustainable transformation of the economy and technologies is also a key focus. Research is being conducted into the potential of deep geothermal energy for extracting energy and raw materials, the further development of the circular economy in the construction sector, and ecological future scenarios for the German space industry.
Additionally, within the area of security and innovation policy, the importance of dual-use research for strengthening defence capabilities and international competitiveness is being analysed.
In addition, six further topics from the topic selection process will be developed into topic briefs to provide orientation on current and emerging issues in the fields of security, digitalisation, health, energy and the built environment.
Through these projects, the TAB provides well-founded scientific analyses and guidance for parliamentary decision-making processes on key future issues.
The first projects are set to begin later this year. The TAB is currently preparing calls for tenders for external expert reports; relevant information, and will publish relevant information on its Website shortly..
1 July 2026