Participatory Technology Assessment
Participatory technology assessment (pTA) involves lay citizens and stakeholders—not only experts—in assessing the social, ethical, and political dimensions of technologies. Through structured deliberative formats such as consensus conferences, citizens' juries, and scenario workshops, ordinary people are informed, allowed to question experts, and helped to form and articulate a considered collective view, which is then fed into public and policy debate. pTA democratises technology assessment, treating the public not as a problem to be managed but as a legitimate voice in technological choices.
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Sources
- Joss, S., & Durant, J. (Eds.). (1995). Public Participation in Science: The Role of Consensus Conferences in Europe. Science Museum. ISBN: 9780901805874
- Hennen, L. (2012). Why do we still need participatory technology assessment? Poiesis & Praxis, 9(1-2), 27-41. DOI: 10.1007/s10202-012-0122-5 ↗
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 22). Participatory Technology Assessment (pTA). ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/science-technology-studies/participatory-technology-assessment
Which method?
Set this method beside its closest kin and read them side by side — the library lays the books on the table; the choice is yours.
- Constructive Technology AssessmentScience Technology Studies↔ compare
- Foresight Scenario MethodScience Technology Studies↔ compare
- Responsible Research and Innovation AssessmentScience Technology Studies↔ compare
- Technology ForesightScience Technology Studies↔ compare