Technology Assessment
General
Code: BSC_IT35
Language: English
Delivery: In person
Prerequisites: -
Workload
- Lectures: 52.0 hours
- Lab: 0.0 hours
- Study: 100.5 hours
- Project: 35.0 hours
Course Content
This course introduces students to the concept, evolution, and significance of technology assessment in the context of the digital society and economy. It examines the social, economic, environmental, political, legal, and ethical dimensions of technological development, with particular emphasis on information and communication technologies and digital transformation. The course presents core qualitative and quantitative methods used in technology assessment, including cost-benefit analysis, risk analysis, multicriteria analysis, life cycle analysis, scenario analysis, technology forecasting, participatory assessment, indicator-based approaches, benchmarking, and case study analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on technology acceptance by individuals and organizations, with reference to relevant theoretical models and to the factors influencing behavioral intention, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, adoption, and diffusion of new technologies. The course further explores the role of technology assessment in decision-making, strategic planning, public policy, and innovation governance, and includes applications and case studies focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, digital platforms, next-generation networks, and smart infrastructures.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
understand the basic concepts, theories, and approaches of technology assessment,
analyze the social, economic, environmental, political, legal, and ethical dimensions of technological development,
apply core qualitative and quantitative technology assessment methods in different application contexts,
evaluate the suitability of different methods and tools depending on the technological and organizational context,
interpret the factors influencing the acceptance, adoption, and diffusion of new technologies by individuals and organizations,
relate technology assessment to decision-making processes, strategic planning, public policy, and innovation governance,
analyze and document case studies related to emerging digital technologies,
formulate well-founded judgments and recommendations regarding the impacts and management of technological developments.
Skills
Search for, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of the necessary technology
Adapting to new situations
Decision-making
Team work
Production of new research ideas
Project planning and management
Criticism and self-criticism
Production of free, creative and inductive thinking