Improving technology assessment network

Strengthening environmentally sound technology assessment
Strengthening network of environmentally sound technology assessment centres

Description

Improving technology assessment networks involves strengthening collaboration and information exchange among stakeholders to evaluate emerging technologies’ impacts more effectively. This strategy aims to streamline data sharing, harmonize assessment methodologies, and foster interdisciplinary expertise, enabling timely identification of risks and opportunities. By enhancing coordination, it remedies fragmented analysis, reduces duplication of effort, and supports informed decision-making, ensuring that technological developments align with societal needs and minimize unintended negative consequences.

Context

Agenda 21 recommends strengthening the international network of regional, subregional or national environmentally sound technology assessment centres, coupled with clearing-houses, to tap technology assessment sources the benefit of all nations. These centres could, in principle, provide advice and training for specific national situations and promote the building up of national capacity in environmentally sound technology assessment. The possibility of assigning this activity to already existing regional organizations should be fully explored before creating entirely new institutions, and funding of this activity through public-private partnerships should also be explored, as appropriate.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.