Technology assessment (TA) is an interdisciplinary research field for investigating the possible or probable (plausible) consequences of technology and innovation in a broad sense, looking at the potential benefits as well as examining unintended side effects. 

It aims to provide knowledge and orientation for better-informed and well-reflected decisions for shaping and responsibly managing the outcomes and consequences of emerging and future technological advances, including the adoption of these advances. 

It aims to anticipate future impacts of emerging technological advances to allow better planning today to harness their potential benefits and manage risks. 

It emphasizes flexibility, allowing steps to be revisited as needed, and aims to balance social, economic and environmental impacts.

TA differs from forecasting or road-mapping as its focus is on the holistic societal impact, guiding policy to maximize benefits and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly in developing countries.

This document summarizes the existing knowledge about TA processes and good practices and reflects on these in the context of the current conditions in African and other developing countries.

The paper proposes a step-by-step approach to TA. There is little experience with TA implementation in the context of sub-Saharan Africa and most developing countries in general. Therefore, the document is mainly supported with analogies and experiences from other regions, especially Europe and North America. 

The approach has been tested, verified and then modified based on experience within the UNCTAD–United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development.

This document was prepared under the United Nations Development Account project on:  Technology assessment in the energy and agricultural sectors in Africa to accelerate progress on science, technology and innovation.

1. The project aims to assist countries in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing countries to achieve three objectives:
2. Focus on the issue of recent and emerging technologies that could be crucial for them.
3. Encourage discussion of economic, social and environmental impacts of the selected technologies.
4. Support the national public-sector efforts to access and master some priority technologies for the country.

The paper is, therefore, to be understood as a living document. Researchers and practitioners in TA and closely related science, technology and innovation (STI) disciplines, mainly from Africa and other developing countries, are welcome to contribute to future developments of the document by providing comments and documenting experiences.

Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development