Many apologies for the silence of late. I've spent the past several months working behind the scenes on something I'll be able to share with you in a few weeks. It's no surprise that I'm a strong advocate for public participation in science ("Citizen Science") and science policy discussions (NOT wacky town hall meetings!). Like many of you, I share that same level of enthusiasm for science-based decision-making when it comes to setting forth science and technology policies, hence the push to restore a participatory OTA. Current efforts to appropriate public funds to open the old OTA (huge nod to the Union of Concerned Scientists) are, unfortunately, lacking any awareness of global calls to include citizen engagement in tech assessment policy discussions. Time and time again, citizen engagement (or public participation) has been proven to be of great benefit to the growth of innovation by helping, at the very least, assess economic and societal risks inherent in every emerging technology. It's impossible not to notice the President's calls for government to take seriously "collaboration and participation" and I/we certainly take this to heart. I don't see incompatibilities between an OTA and public participation, particularly with the oodles of online collaborative tools and other proven mechanisms to choose from; however others (perhaps some of you) do not share this belief, which is unfortunate.
I know what you're thinking: Why would I listen to a former procheerleader, even if she writes for Discover Magazine and recently launched ScienceforCitizens.net? (Shameless self promotion?)
Don't.
Instead, consider the insights of the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars and plenty of other equally impressive authorities who believe that participatory technology assessment is THE way to go.
It's in this hybrid spirit that I'd like to invite you to attend--or download--the following event. Again, I'll have a follow up announcement to make, after this event; one that will provide plenty of opportunities for collaboration. I hope you will continue to take part in this journey because we're counting on you.
On April 28, my partner in crime, Richard Sclove, will release his long-awaited report, "Reinventing Technology Assessment" at the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars. Some of you are referenced in his paper. Many of the discussions that took place on this Facebook page provided content and context for this "manual," as I like to call it.
Thank you for your comments, continued support and guidance.
Drum roll....
*Save the Date*
REINVENTING TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
A 21st Century Model
Around the world the pace, complexity, and social significance of technological changes are increasing. Yet the broad social ramifications are often not considered until after new technologies become widely adapted and entrenched. This makes the need for technology assessment (TA) greater than ever, sparking renewed interest in TA models, practices, and evaluation.
Join us on Wednesday, April 28th, at 3:00 p.m. for a discussion of a new report that explores possible future options for technology assessment and ways to use citizen participation, collaboration, and expert analysis to inform and improve decision-making on issues involving science and technology.
You must register to attend the event.
Please RSVP at
stip@wilsoncenter.org*** Webcast LIVE at
www.wilsoncenter.org/stip ***
No RSVP required to view the webcast.
What:
REINVENTING TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT: A 21st Century Model
When:
Wednesday, April 28, 2010, 3:00 – 4:30 PM (reception to follow)
Who:
Richard Sclove, Ph.D., Founder and Senior Fellow, The Loka Institute
Commenter: Paul Stern, Ph.D., National Research Council
Moderator: David Rejeski, Director, Science and Technology Innovation Program
Where: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 5th Floor Conference Room
