A wide variety of methods are available for technology assessment. It is difficult to precisely classify them. In a narrow sense, technology assessment in businesses aims at only technological and economical potential of new technologies and products, although in a wider sense, it means a comprehensive system designed to analyze effects of new technologies on the internal and external environments of a business. According to Cronberg, the characteristics of technology assessment can be classified on the basis of the relation of the technology to society. Based on the assumption that we are capable of knowing the effects of technology on society, such effects are analyzed in a passive manner.
Technology assessment is organized also as part of learning new technologies.
Under the assumption that we are capable of controlling technological changes, a wide array of methods are employed, such as conversations, scenario workshops and consensus conferences. On the assumption that technology in a society is determined by interested parties, efforts are made to solve problems through negotiation between those parties. Technology assessment was originated with the aim of protecting those who are placed in a disadvantageous position as the result of scientific advancement. In the 1970s, particular stress was laid on the prediction of negative effects of technology and science, focusing on consumers and victims of environmental issues. These methods are widely employed by experts.