How to improve the use of recycled materials in Germany Only a small part of the German economy's demand for raw materials is covered by recycled materials. Using plastic packaging, electrical appliances and building materials as examples, the TAB report highlights the requirements for increased use of recycled materials and identifies policy options. Mehr07.03.2024 | Publication |
Study launch: Knowledge gaps and research needs on the way to a fusion power plant Recent advances in plasma physics have raised hopes of a new era in energy production. In addition to technological issues, the focus is on the economic, environmental and social aspects of potential fusion power plants. More05.12.2023 | Projects |
The digital future of critical municipal infrastructures A new TAB report examines the use of digital solutions in water and waste management and identifies ways in which the potential of digitalisation can be exploited in a sustainable way, while at the same time ensuring security of supply and disposal. The corresponding Policy brief is now available in English. More17.11.2023 | Publication |
International Conference on opportunities and risks of generative artificial intelligence This year's conference of the European Parliamentary Technology Assessment Network (EPTA) for scientists and MPs in Barcelona on 9 October focused on the challenges that generative AI poses to policymakers, civil society and regulators. More06.10.2023/11.10.2023 | Event |
E-voting - status quo and future prospects in Germany A new short study on Internet voting provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of this new form of voting compared to ballot box and postal voting. The analysis includes three case studies on Estonia, Switzerland and Norway. More29.09.2023 | Publication |
From the 'bicycle revolution' to hypersonic weapons and space-based power generation New topic profiles from horizon scanning provide a concise overview of the opportunities and risks of new technologies and concepts, and stimulate future research and innovation. More04.09.2023 | Publication |
A pioneer of TA: on the occasion of the 90th birthday of Herbert Paschen The economist Herbert Paschen founded technology assessment in Karlsruhe and also paved the way for TA for the German Bundestag. An appreciation of the founding director of TAB by Armin Grunwald. More19.07.2023 | TAB |
Bacteriophages offer opportunities in the fight against multi-resistant pathogens Bacteriophages are viruses that can specifically attack and destroy certain bacteria. A new TAB report provides a comprehensive overview of the applications and innovation potential of bacteriophages in medicine, agriculture and food management, and identifies options for their wider use. The corresponding Policy brief is now available in English. More05.09.2023 | Publication |
TAB ready for the next 5 years At its meeting on 21 June 2023, the Committee for Education, Research and Technology Assessment of the German Bundestag unanimously decided to entrust the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology with the operation of TAB until 2028. More21.06.2023 | TAB |
Sustainable Cooling in Germany: Status quo and future perspectives Sustainable cooling is a complex task that requires cooperation between politics, society, industry and science. The TAB study highlights the interaction between climate change and cooling demand and shows how sustainable technological and non-technological innovations and cooling strategies can look like. More22.05.2023 | Publication |
Study on ChatGPT for the German Bundestag The application potential and possible societal impact of large-scale computer models for language processing will be the focus of an expert discussion during the public deliberation of the Education Committee on 26 April. More24.04.2023 | Publication and event |
On the state of knowledge on health risks of electromagnetic fields A new report provides a comprehensive factual basis for policy-making as well as options for a socially sustainable approach to the health and technology issue of mobile radiation. Key findings available in English. More21.03.2023 | Publication |
Data mining – sociopolitical and legal challenges Using examples from medicine and healthcare, the report provides comprehensive information to inform policy discussions and the design of complex data analytics for the benefit of individuals and society. The corresponding Policy Brief is now available in English. More15.03.2023/02.05.2023 | Publication |
Dealing with ignorance as a societal challenge A new report addresses issues of good governance in exploratory experiments using the three research areas of green genetic engineering, fracking and ocean fertilisation with iron as examples. More14.03.2023 | Publication |
From the green house to the deep sea to the virtual world The new topic profiles from horizon scanning provide a concise overview of the opportunities and risks of new technologies and concepts, and give impetus for future research and innovation. More01.03.2023 | Publications |
Study launched on the impact of ChatGPT and comparable systems The focus of the study for the German Bundestag is on educational processes in schools, universities, and vocational education and training. More13.02.2023 | Topics and projects |
Plant breeding as a central element of a sustainable and future-oriented agriculture New TAB report provides an overview of tasks and challenges of a diverse plant breeding that promotes diversity. Mehr23.01.2023 | Publication |
Urban timber construction in Germany: Status quo and future prospects. The TAB short study analyses promoting and inhibiting factors in the various spheres of influence: Society, economy, technology, politics and law, and environment. More12.01.2023 | Publication |