Research and Development Response to Societal Needs in the Information Technology Area

The relation between scientific development and societal needs is often indirect and coincidental. Interaction between scientific and societal developments shape our technological futures. From this we learn that the application of new scientific insights in problem solving and in innovative technologies is not ‘just’ a scientific challenge, but a societal as well. How can we deal in building an innovation agenda with this society-technology-policy interaction. In my presentation I will build upon my experience in technology assessment at the experience at the Rathenau Institute. The Rathenau Institute promotes the formation of political and public opinion on science and technology. To this end, the Institute studies the organization and development of science systems, publishes about social impact of new technologies, and organizes debates on issues and dilemmas in science and technology. We have been strongly involved in the discussions on nanotechnology and biotechnology. Based upon this work I will draw some general lessons that may help in dealing with the duality inherent in science-society-policy interactions.  The lessons may help in shaping the new innovation agenda’s.