Technology Assessment for the European Parliament's STOA-Panel
» ETAG Completed Projects
| 02/2008 - 05/2009 | Human Enhancement | ||||||
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The umbrella term "human enhancement" refers to a wide range of existing, emerging and visionary technologies, including pharmaceutical products, neuroimplants that provide replacement sight or other artificial senses, drugs that boost brain power, human germline engineering and existing reproductive technologies, new brain stimulation technologies, gene doping in sports, cosmetic surgery, anti-ageing medication, highly sophisticated prosthetic applications that may provide specialised sensory input or mechanical output and others. All these technologies signal the blurring of boundaries between restorative therapy and interventions that aim to bring about improvements extending beyond such therapy. In the STOA study human enhancement primarily is regarded as offering a specific perspective on developments in science, technology, medicine and society. The effects of human enhancement technologies (HET) can be either long term or even permanent (as in the case of genetic enhancements), or temporary (such as improved concentration levels brought about by drugs). The aim may be to improve our natural abilities (for example by making us stronger or happier) or to give us characteristics or abilities that no human being has ever possessed before, such as full night vision, or even extra senses. Faced with the often highly visionary and strongly ideological character of the debate on human enhancement, the report strives for a balance between advancing a rational discussion through critical analysis of the relevant visions and normative stances, and taking a close look at the diversity of HET and their actual social, technological and political significance.
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| 08/2008 - 05/2009 | ICT and Energy Efficiency | ||||||
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Regarding the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on climate change two different aspects can be distinguished. On the one hand, ICT is discussed as a technology that enables an increase in energy efficiency, a reduction of energy consumption, as well as a reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in general. On the other hand, ICT have become a significant energy consumer themselves. The overall contribution of ICT (as energy consumer) to climate change is estimated to be around 2%. However, future growth rates in ICT will probably be impressive, especially in the emerging countries, so the potential as well as the need for further savings will increase as well. The report concentrates on the GHG-saving potentials in PCs and Server farms. In addition, a focus is put on new and promising concepts such as virtualisation and "cloud computing". Reasons for this selection are the fast global growth rates in PCs, server farms, as well as the strong global tendency to use more and more the Internet and Internet- based application. ICT as an enabling technology is of even more complex nature, many relevant linkages are more implicit. The STOA-report puts the focus on the following key-areas: electricity distribution grids (smart grids), smart buildings and smart metering, transport and dematerialisation, industrial processes and organisational sustainability.
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| 07/2008 - 04/2009 | Agricultural Technologies for Developing Countries | ||||||
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Around half of the world's population is living in rural areas, with agriculture being the centre of their lives. The vast majority of farmers in developing countries (85%) are small-scale farmers, producing on less than 2 hectares. Furthermore, most of the poor in developing countries (75%) live in rural areas. Climate change will disproportionately affect developing countries and the poor, demanding for adaptations of agricultural production systems to climate change. Increasing production and strong economic growth in agriculture - with small-scale farmers in the centre of attention - are urgently needed for achieving poverty reduction and other Millennium Development Goals. In this context, the STOA project "Agricultural technologies for developing countries" investigated the contribution of selected important agricultural production systems and their technologies as well as their management practices to higher food production and food security with focus on small-scale farmers. The production systems assed were: Conservation Agriculture, System of Rice Intensification, Agroforestry Systems, Organic Farming and Transgenic Crops.
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| 08/2007 - 04/2009 | Animal Welfare | ||||||
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Animal welfare is a pressing public concern in the EU. At present, animal welfare status on-farm is usually inferred from external parameters, such as cage size or feeder space. This approach has serious limitations because the relation between such design parameters and animal welfare is not clear. Current research offers the possibility of assessing the welfare of animals more directly, in terms of their condition, health, performance and behaviour. This animal-based approach, although still work in progress, is very promising. The STOA project 'Impact of Animal Welfare' investigated the potential for introducing a European system of on-farm assessment of animal welfare using animal-based indicators. Part 1 of the report describes the scientific and technological state-of-the-art with regard to animal-based welfare indicators and monitoring technology. Part 2 explores the socio-economic impact of introducing an animal-based welfare monitoring system on livestock production in EU Member States.
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| 10/2007 - 11/2008 | Direct to Consumer Genetic testing | ||||||
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Starting at the end of the 1990s offering genetic testing direct to consumers has entered the market as a new "business model" for genetic testing. Genetic testing so far had been carried out by specialised institutes in the medical sector at referral by a medical doctor. In recent years new companies offering DCGT merely via internet are showing up constantly. The STOA report provides an overview on the current discussion on DCGT among experts and public authorities on the current state of offers of DCGT via internet. Guided by analysis of the development of the market and the pros and cons of DCGT the report discusses possible options and needs for political intervention. The most obvious problem of DCGT is that - as is supported by an assessment of 38 DCGT websites carried out in the context of the project - the majority of tests offered to consumers directly are tests for susceptibilities for disease based on so called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). These tests are most interesting from a commercial point of view since they are related to widespread common diseases (such as cancer). Experts regard most offers of testing based on SNPs to be meaningless from a scientific point of view, since the clinical validity of most of the tests has not (yet) been sufficiently proven. At the European level opportunities for regulating the market are opened up by the running amendment of the In Vitro Diagnostic Devices Directive (98/79/EC). To provide for a broad scope of gene tests being covered by the Directive would allow for the establishment of a European system of pre-market approval of gene tests which would possibly restrict the leeway for DCGT drastically.
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| 12/2006 - 11/2008 | Global Human Health | ||||||
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The project revisits the necessary conditions, resources and collaborations for joint, effective health research and drug development in Europe. The goal of effective R&D is a shared goal for all Member States and the EC alike, yet realities show that the strategies employed are not yet successful. The project focuses on Europe's role in combating poverty related diseases (PRDs) such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and other (neglected) infectious diseases. Since PRDs primarily affect people in developing countries, of all priority diseases the battle against the PRDs is most dependent on political/ public action by first world countries. Based on the project's findings options for the setting up of a European action plan on PRDs are discussed.
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| 12/2006 - 10/2008 | Future Energy Systems in Europe | ||||||
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Based on the objectives of improving the security of fuel supply and significant reductions in future oil consumption and CO2 emissions, the STOA project on "Future Energy Systems in Europe" has developed a set of technology scenarios for energy supply in Europe by 2030. The different characteristics, opportunities and priorities for the energy sector in different parts of Europe have been integrated in the energy scenarios for five archetypical EU countries representing different conditions in their existing energy sector and different opportunities to meet the objectives. As a key outcome of the project, two essentially different developments of the European energy systems have been described and quantified through a so-called Small-tech scenario and a Big-tech scenario. Both scenarios aim at achieving two concrete goals for 2030: reducing CO2 emissions by 50 per cent compared to the 1990 level and reducing oil consumption by 50 per cent compared to the present level. The final report presents a Small-tech scenario and a Big-tech scenario, the key measures in each scenario, the systems' impacts and environmental and economic consequences. The modelling tool, including all data and results, can be downloaded from the website of the Danish Board of Technology.
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| 12/2006 - 10/2008 | The Future of European Long-Distance Transport | ||||||
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The projected heavy growth rates in European transport volumes, especially in the long-distance sector, are a serious challenge in several respects: transport contributes to climate change, the transport system is strongly depended on oil - a finite resource, and a functioning transport system is a basic pillar for economic growth in Europe. Against this background, the STOA project on "the future of European long-distance transport" focused on the challenges mentioned above in order to contribute to transparency and improved governance in this highly complex field. The project developed scenarios for a sustainable, efficient and less oil dependent European transportation along with related policy options. Results indicate that heavy changes and significant trend-breaks are needed if the targets should be fulfilled; this is especially true for air transport and trucking. A combination of several policy measures is needed. Improved competitiveness of the rail sectors is playing a key-role. Since several measures are only able to achieve mid- to long-term effects, action has to be taken right now. European leadership is important and, thus, a coherent European vision of a carbon-lean transport system is needed. Citizens' consultations carried out in the course of the project indicate that Europeans are aware of future challenges and to a certain degree willing to accept effective measures even if they have personal disadvantages in the short term.
Project Description: [here]
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| 11/2007 - 07/2008 | ICT and Media Industries | ||||||
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The project consists of a review of literature and expert opinions on current and expected technological and market developments in the field of ICT with an impact on the media industry. In particular the impact of "convergence" and "web 2.0 / user created content" is addressed. In the stock-taking part of the study, up-to-date information is provided about the position of European players in the global market for digital media - their strengths and weaknesses. A mid to long-term foresight perspective has been taken in order to identify emerging disruptive technologies and services likely to further change the media business. Taking current legislative and regulatory efforts into account, the study discusses regulatory challenges and requirements stemming from the anticipated changes.
Project Description: [here]
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| 10/2007 - 05/2008 | Food Issues and Human Health | ||||||
| A workshop at the European Parliament with participation of European experts and parliamentarians discussed the importance of substances in food, which may compromise health. The workshop set out to answer whether naturally occurring substances in plant derived foods pose any health problems. The focus was on naturally occurring plant derived compounds and naturally occurring plant derived allergens. The workshop identified a requirement for better food labelling, improvements in food education, and scientific research to better establish optimal dietary doses (including better biomarkers of relevance for nutrition). | |||||||
| 01/2007 - 10/2007 | Interaction between new technologies and the job market, flexicurity and training / vocational training | ||||||
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Since the beginning of the 1990s information technologies have played an important role as an example of the influence of new technologies on working structures. Based on technological innovations new forms of division of labour have taken place with new local and global dimensions. These processes are still going on. In nearly all European countries these developments affect on the one hand the political and institutional framework of labour conditions and on the other hand, the individual work profiles and the whole work organisation on different levels. A literature study will first pinpoint the most important issues of the qualitative changes caused by these developments and second examine their importance for the development of labour markets. In order to meet the demands of local and global labour markets the question will be raised whether a political strategy like 'flexicurity' as well as improving training methods for employees can improve adaptability to the new situation. These questions will mainly form the basis for a discussion at a high level European expert workshop.
Contact: 
Bettina-Johanna Krings, Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis, Research Centre Karlsruhe
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| 12/2006 - 10/2007 | Assessment of the Safety of Tunnels | ||||||
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In the context of an overall growing sensitivity of European citizens about public safety issues, and resulting in part from some serious accidents in recent years in tunnels, the issue of tunnel safety has become a subject of concern. Numerous indicators suggest that this is likely to remain a significant factor - overall mobility (including between EU countries) and traffic densities are increasing, as are speeds, at least on railways. The realisation of the trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) heightens the need for an overall EU focus on the subject - several of the 30 'favoured' routes involve considerable investment in tunnel sections. The study will focus on technical as well as management aspects of safety of tunnels for road and rail transport. A first assessment is carried out on the basis of a literature review and expert opinion gathering, which will result in a workshop. In a second phase aspects are further explored with the aim to explore routes to a European system of tunnel risk analysis.
Contact:
Contact: David Cope, Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, London
The project is carried out in co-operation with Alan Beard, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh.
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| 01/2006 - 09/2006 | Technology Assessment on Converging Technologies | ||||||
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A literature study of relevant European level publications and a vision
assessment on future societal needs and challenges will form the basis
for a discussion within a high level European expert workshop. Central
question of this workshop will be: 'What are the domains (combinations
between the different science and technology areas) within converging
technology that European Commission should prioritize (in FP 7 and the
different JRC's) to meet future societal needs and challenges?
Contact:
Robby Deboelpaep, viWTA, Brussels
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| 01/2006 - 10/2006 | Antibiotic Resistance | ||||||
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An interdisciplinary working group of experts will convene in workshops
and produce a plan of action suggesting a series of initiatives to
counter the problem of antibiotic resistance. Contact:
Ulla Holm Vincentsen, Teknologiradet, Copenhagen
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| 01/2006 - 10/2006 | The Role of Nanotechnology in Chemical Substitution | ||||||
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On the basis of literature research interviews with experts are
performed to identify the potential of nanotechnology to substitute
chemical substances or processes which are hazardous for humans or the
environment. The results will be validated within a workshop the end of
the project.
Project Description: [here] Contact:
Ulrich Fiedeler, who was at that time with theInstitute for Technology Assessment and Systems
Analysis (ITAS), Research Centre Karlsruhe
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| 01/2006 - 06/2006 | Galileo-Applications | ||||||
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Based on an available STOA Working-Paper, expert opinions will be
commissioned and a workshop on policy options with regard to the
deployment phase of the European satellite programme, the GALILEO
project, will be carried out.
Project Description: [here] Contact:
Leonhard Hennen, Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Research Centre Karlsruhe
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| 01/2006 - 06/2007 | Intellectual property rights | ||||||
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A cross-disciplinary working group will examine potential changes to the
patent system. Issues studied would be about balancing society/inventor
benefits; remuneration-based patenting; systems for protecting rights;
transparency. At a workshop ideas will be collected. The working group
will present and debate the political options at a dissemination
workshop. Contact:
Bjørn Bedsted, Teknologiradet, Copenhagen
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| 03/2006 - 03/2007 | RFID and Identity Management | ||||||
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A number of case studies on different settings in which RFID is
implemented is carried out in order to explore the choices that are
available to the users and owners of the RFID systems in managing
personal information, the degree to which the purpose of the information
collection is overt, how RFID is used in combination with other
technologies, and whether or not legislation applies. The findings will
be presented and discussed in a workshop.
Contact:
Christian van't Hof, Rathenau Institute, The Hague
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| 03/2006 - 10/2006 | Overview of sustainable energy sources | ||||||
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Preparation of an Energy Catalogue describing selected energy
technologies based on renewable sources and suitable for European use.
The catalogue will be have its main purpose in communicating the state of
the technologies to non-experts, giving an overview on e.i. state of
development and time for competitive development level; the estimated
investments and energy price; potential production etc. Contact:
Søren Gram, Teknologiradet, Copenhagen
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| 03/2006 - 05/2006 | Global Human Health | ||||||
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The project comprises the organisation of a workshop to investigate how
to provide incentives for developing new medicines to help tackle the
global burden of disease. Contact:
Elisabetta El-Karimy, Rathenau Institute, The Hague
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| 04/2006 - 02/2007 | Alternative Tech. Options for Road and Air Transport | ||||||
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On the basis of available literature a catalogue of alternative fuel and
propulsion options for road and air transport is developed. The
assessment of technical options is discussed in a workshop. A final
report will discuss possible source-fuel-drive-infrastructure
combinations.
Project Description: [here] Contact:
Torsten Fleischer, Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Research Centre Karlsruhe
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| 06/2006 - 02/2007 | Future Developments of Cancer Therapy | ||||||
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Based on available literature (especially from TA-studies covering
aspects of the subject) and on an analysis of the status of cancer
research in the European Framework Programmes 4 to 6 an overview on the
state of research on cancer aetiology and therapy is given. This is meant
to deliver a basis for decisions on more comprehensive and detailed
analysis of the subject.
Project Description: [here] Contact:
Arnold Sauter, Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Research Centre Karlsruhe
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