Technology monitoring and assessment.
Date: 2025-08-11
Institutions: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
Subjects: competition, innovation, new technology, policymaking, technological change, technology assessment

Technology Monitoring  
and Assessment 

Quarterly R&I Literature Review 2025/Q2 

 
 
Technology Monitoring and Assessment 

European Commission 
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation 
Directorate G — Common Policy Centre 
Unit G.1 — Common R&I Strategy & Foresight Service 
Contact   Paolo PASIMENI and Nicola Francesco DOTTI 
Email  

Paolo.Pasimeni@ec.europa.eu  
Nicola-Francesco.Dotti@ec.europa.eu 
RTD-PUBLICATIONS@ec.europa.eu 

European Commission 
B-1049 Brussels 

Manuscript completed in July 2025  
First edition 

The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission. 

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doi: 10.2777/2274080 

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

Technology Monitoring  
and Assessment 

Quarterly R&I Literature Review 2025/Q2 

Nicola Francesco Dotti, Haya Al-Ajlani, Florence Benoit, Bianca Cavicchi,  

Valentina Di Girolamo, César Dro, and Jan-Tjibbe Steeman. 

2025 

EN 

Directorate-General for Research and Innovation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contents 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

Introduction ....................................................................................... 5 

The six models of technology assessment, and how they relate 
with uncertainties of postnormal science ...................................... 7 

A literature review of emerging issues in technology 
assessment: sustainability as framework toward anticipation, 
inclusion, and complexity ................................................................ 9 

Is overlooking sustainability in technology assessment a missed 
opportunity for innovation? ........................................................... 11 

Social sciences during the pandemic: a useful science-for-policy 
tool, or not? ..................................................................................... 13 

Integrating technology scanning and assessment in hospitals: 
three strategic frameworks based on innovation orientation and 
specialization of care ..................................................................... 15 

Health Technology Assessment (HTA): Ensuring safe and 
effective healthcare systems ......................................................... 17 

Mapping emerging technologies in aged care: results from in-
depth online research .................................................................... 19 

Balancing growth and conservation: simulating rebound effects 
in circular dress rentals ................................................................. 21 

10.  Holistic technology assessment: the case of precision 

agriculture ....................................................................................... 23 

11. 

Engaging society in guiding the development of Automated 
Vehicles ........................................................................................... 25 

12. 

List of References........................................................................... 27 

4 

 
 
1. Introduction 

This literature review provides short summaries of recent scientific articles discussing the challenges of 
technology monitoring and assessment. This publication is developed by the Team on  ‘Economics of 
Research  and  Innovation’  of  the  Chief  Economist  Unit  in  the  European  Commission’s  Directorate 
General  for  Research  and  Innovation.  For  this  edition,  the  contributors  are  Nicola  Francesco  Dotti 
(review coordinator), Haya Al-Ajlani, Florence Benoit, Bianca Cavicchi, Valentina Di Girolamo, César 
Dro, and Jan-Tjibbe Steeman. 

scientific  publications  addressing  the  current 
challenges  of  TMA.  Questions  such  as 
assessing  technologies  that  do  not  yet  exist, 
informing  policymakers  and  the  public  about 
unknown  implications,  and  orienting  private 
investments  towards  the  ethical  use  of  new 
technologies are discussed across Europe and 
beyond. 

Today’s evolution of TMA highlights two main 
challenges.  First,  TMA  moved  from  purely 
technical  approaches  to  more  complex  ones, 
to  address  concerning  ethical 
notably 
multidisciplinary 
dilemmas. 
and 
experts 
approaches 
stakeholders 
have 
citizens) 
emerged as they provide more solid support to 
decision-making.  

Second, 
involving 
(including 

An  overarching  challenge  is  using  TMA  for 
sustainability,  security,  and  competitiveness. 
From this perspective, new technologies may 
pose  unknown  challenges  and 
to 
previously unexplored scenarios as data about 
the future cannot be available.  

lead 

This review does not claim to be exhaustive; it 
aims  to  inform  about  the  main  issues  under 
discussion,  particularly  in  terms  of  methods, 
processes,  and  support  for  decision-makers. 
The objective is to promote an informed debate 
on  a  crucial  challenge  for  today’s  European 
competitiveness.  

Technology  Monitoring  and  Assessment 
(TMA)  is  a  crucial  activity  to  inform  decision-
makers and orient technology investments and 
governance.  Since 
the  1970s,  multiple 
methods  and  approaches  have  been 
developed worldwide, increasingly addressing 
complexity, uncertainty, and ethical dilemmas.  

TMA is crucial because, as stated in the Draghi 
Report  on  Competitiveness,  Europe 
is 
experiencing  a  growing 
technology  gap 
to  other  global  economies. 
compared 
Monitoring and assessing new technologies is 
crucial 
the  much-needed 
investments for European productivity. 

to  prioritise 

In  this  field,  a  fundamental  distinction  exists 
between emerging and critical technologies: 

•  Emerging technologies are rapidly growing 
with  still  unclear  potential,  use,  and 
implications.  Their  development  is  still 
uncertain,  and  the  assessment  may  be 
speculative, making monitoring even more 
crucial. 

to 

•  Critical technologies are identified for their 
importance 
the  economy,  security, 
climate,  and  the  broader  society.  These 
technologies can be assessed for their high 
impact or future potential.  

Identifying  emerging  and  critical  technologies 
is  a  complex  challenge,  as  they  can  have 
specific  features,  stakeholders,  impacts  and 
time  horizons.  Assessing  economic  and 
societal impacts of future technologies means 
addressing the uncertainty of possible futures. 
Decision-makers,  from  private  investors  to 
policymakers  and  regulators,  have  to  make 
in  highly  uncertain 
complex  decisions 
scenarios  with  conflicting 
interests  and 
priorities.  

In  this  complex  landscape,  this  literature 
to  explore  the  most  recent 
review  aims 

5 

 
 
 
 
6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
2. The six models of technology assessment, and how 
they relate with uncertainties of postnormal science 

Børsen,  T.,  2025.  Technology  assessment  and  postnormal  science.  Futures  166,  103515. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2024.103515 

•  Several models for technology assessment (TA) have been developed since the 1970s, 

first for the US congress and then across the world. 

•  These models aim to inform decision makers about technology-related implications. 

•  Most  advanced  TA  models  address  the  challenges  of  postnormal  science:  urgency, 

uncertainty, conflicting interests, and ethical dilemmas. 

Børsen  discusses  six  models  of  technology 
assessment  (TA)  and  how  they  relate  with 
postnormal  science, i.e.  the sensitivity  of  new 
technology in respect of uncertainty, conflicting 
interests  and  ethical  disputes.  The  paper 
discusses six models. 

The Normal TA model derives from the seminal 
experience  of 
the  Office  of  Technology 
Assessment  (OTA),  established  by  the  US 
Congress in the 1970s and discontinued in the 
1990s.  The  fundamental  idea  was  to  have 
experts  supporting  Congress  Members  about 
the technology implications, as politicians often 
lack technical expertise. The assessment was 
done  by  OTA  employees  based  on  a  given 
from  external 
technology  with  advice 
stakeholders,  while  ethical  aspects  were  not 
addressed. 

The Rational TA model, developed in the late 
1990s  for  Denmark  and  Germany,  advocated 
for early warning mechanisms for technological 
risks.  This  model  moved  away  from  the  ‘too 
descriptive’  Normal  TA  by  introducing  more 
emphasis on the implications of non-existent or 
unimplemented technologies, thus addressing 
uncertainty.  This  model  is  developed  around 
two  fundamental  steps.  First,  interdisciplinary 
to  settle 
communities  were  established 
then 
conflicting  experts’  opinions  and 
politicians made their normative assessment. 

The Ethical TA emphasises the judgement of a 
technology  identifying  consequences,  linking 
to  values,  ethical  dilemmas,  and 
them 
formulating possible solutions. Differently from 
the  Rational  TA,  the  Ethical  TA  addresses 
misuse as well as societal, environmental and 
cultural implications. However, limited attention 
was devoted to future uncertainties. 

The  Hermeneutic  TA  model  is  a  response  to 
cases with high degree of uncertainty and lack 
technology 
of  valid  knowledge  about  a 
the  previous 
implication.  Differently 
from 
on 
models,  Hermeneutic  TA 
focuses 
anticipating  and 
technology 
implications  in  an  inherently  uncertain  and 
unpredictable context, therefore integrating the 
notion  of  postnormal  science.  This  model  is 
more  qualitative  and  aims  to  animate  public 
debates and evaluate public reactions for TA. 

interpreting 

The Participatory TA model is a citizen-driven 
approach:  experts  develop  a 
technology-
related  ethical  dilemma  to  be  discussed  with 
laymen.  This  model  can  include  uncertain 
scenarios,  thus  addressing  the  challenges  of 
postnormal science.  

The  Constructive  TA  model,  developed in  the 
Netherlands  in  the  mid-1980s,  moves  the 
attention on (near) future technologies that can 
have societal implications. Therefore, the focus 
shifts  from  technology  itself  to  the  societal 
challenges  that  can  happen  because  of  likely 
new technologies. In this model, a key role is 
played by the ‘bridging events’, where experts 
the 
and 
laymen  are  combined  under 
supervision  of  professional 
to 
discuss possible technologies.  

facilitators 

These six models show a progressive evolution 
from solely technology assessment to address 
ethical  dilemmas,  uncertainty,  and  conflicting 
interests.  Today,  different  options  are 
considered with the involvement of broader set 
of  experts  and  non-experts,  quantitative  and 
qualitative  elements,  and  different 
time 
perspective, from the near future to long-term 
trends. Even though a ‘best’ model cannot be 
identified,  consensus  exists  on  the  need  to 

7 

 
 
address the ethical dilemmas when assessing 
new technologies.  

Figure 1. Table 1 from Børsen (2025) 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
3. A literature review of emerging issues in technology 
assessment:  sustainability  as  framework  toward 
anticipation, inclusion, and complexity 

Musango, J.K., 2025. Advancing technology assessment in energy transitions: A semi-systematic 
literature 
115060. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2024.115060 

and  Sustainable  Energy  Reviews 

review.  Renewable 

208, 

•  Technology assessment (TA) methods for energy transitions are highly varied, constantly 

innovating, but remain inconsistently applied. 

•  TA  complexity  arises  from  the  need  to  balance  multiple  criteria  for  assessment  across 
vastly  different  domains,  ranging  from  technical  feasibility  to  future  impacts  and  ethical 
concerns. 

•  The  integration  of  qualitative  and  quantitative  tools,  along  with  the  involvement  of 
stakeholders beyond experts in TA, holds promise in addressing complex challenges. 

•  An anchoring in ethical values, such as sustainable development, is necessary to ensure 
the relevance and credibility of TA in addressing societal, environmental, and economic 
challenges. 

•  No  single  method  can  address 

the 
complexity of energy transitions. TA should 
integrate quantitative and qualitative tools, 
include  dynamic  life-cycle  assessments, 
and  consider  upstream  and  downstream 
supply  chain  implications.  Ethical  criteria 
should  be 
to  assess  both 
technologies and the social structures they 
impact.  

included 

In  conclusion,  TA  methods 
in  energy 
transitions remain fragmented, reinforcing the 
three  TA  dimensions  raised  by  Grunwald: 
anticipation,  inclusion  and  complexity  should 
be  the  guiding  principles  for  future  work. 
Building on this conclusion, the study identifies 
opportunities  to strengthen  TA  by  embedding 
it  within 
framework, 
incorporating  emerging  methods  oriented 
towards better contextualization, and adopting 
integrated,  participatory,  and 
a  more 
transdisciplinary  approach  to  inform  energy 
transition governance more effectively.   

sustainability 

a 

The  article  examines  how 
technology 
assessment  (TA)  methods  are  applied  in  the 
context  of  energy  transitions.  The  goal  is  to 
map the current landscape of TA practices and 
identify  emerging  methods  and  challenges  to 
improve  the  effectiveness,  inclusiveness  and 
sustainability orientation of assessments.  

The  study  is  based  on  a  semi-systematic 
literature  review  of  50  peer-reviewed  articles 
published  between  2012  and  2022.  Three 
main lessons are derived. 

•  TA  should  move  beyond  expert-driven 
exercises  to  include  diverse  stakeholders' 
perspectives 
co-
learning and participatory decision-making. 
This  shift  requires  strengthening  science 
communication  and  addressing  gaps 
between expert and lay knowledge.  

co-design, 

through 

•  The  objective  of  sustainable  development 
must  guide  TA  practice.  This  approach 
entails  considering 
trade-offs  across 
environmental,  economic,  and  social 
dimensions,  with  a  particular  focus  on 
energy justice, policy contexts, and cultural 
factors.  

9 

 
 
 
 
Figure 2. Prevalence of TA methods as in Musango (2025) 

10 

 
 
4. Is  overlooking  sustainability 

in 

technology 

assessment a missed opportunity for innovation? 

Parolin, G., McAloone, T.C., Pigosso, D.C.A., 2024. How can technology assessment tools support 
sustainable innovation? A systematic literature review and synthesis. Technovation 129, 102881. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102881 

•  Technology assessment (TA) methods are essential for guiding investment decisions of 
firms, particularly in sectors like construction where data availability is often limited. 

•  Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in innovation activities, 
necessitating  its  integration  into  TA  methods  to  allow  firms  to  anticipate  future 
environmental and social impacts of their activities. 

•  Sustainability assessment (SA) encompasses a broad set of appraisal methods, such as 
life cycle assessment and eco-design tools, which are commonly used to evaluate product 
performance. 

•  Applying SA in early-stage innovation presents several challenges, including limited data, 
variability  in  project  scope,  contextual  uncertainty,  and  inconsistent  interpretations  of 
sustainability. 

•  This paper suggests improving early-stage sustainability assessment by using tools that 

are generic, user-friendly, and integrated into the innovation process.  

technology  assessment 

This  study  presents  a  systematic  literature 
(TA) 
review  of 
methods  in  industrial  settings,  applying  a 
design  science  (DS)-informed  approach  to 
identify best practices.  

Guided by the PRISMA framework, the review 
draws from Scopus and Web of Science using 
‘technology 
targeted  keywords 
development’, 
and 
‘tool’, 
‘assessment’, 
‘innovation’. After the screening a total of 170 
technology  assessment  methods  for  industry 
were identified are identified.  

including 

The  selection  criteria  pay  particular  attention 
on  identifying  gaps  in  sustainability-focused 
methods compared to broader TA tools. Each 
method  is  reviewed  for  the  parameters  and 
virtues  assessed,  such  as  cost,  quality,  and 
factors  are 
efficiency.  Other  classification 
type, 
sector, 
industrial 
development 
time 
requirements, 
expertise, 
presence  of  sustainability  elements,  use  of 
scenarios,  indicators,  multi-criteria  analysis, 
treatment  of 
format,  and 
implementation 
uncertainty. 

technology 
data 

stage, 
intended 

user 

and 

The systemic literature review mapped the 170 
methods, 
their  strengths  and 
limitations. From this collection of TA methods, 

identifying 

11 

a set of design propositions or best practices 
for technology assessment is proposed. 

The  authors  propose 
four  methodological 
recommendations for companies interested in 
integrating  Sustainability  Assessment  (SA)  in 
their TA frameworks.  

•  Companies  are  encouraged 

to  design 
generic SA tools that are flexible enough to 
be  applied  across  different  contexts  and 
can  be  integrated  into  the  technology 
development  process.  These  tools  should 
be accessible to non-sustainability experts, 
allowing for broader adoption within firms.  

•  The  assessment  process  can  also  be 
implemented as a facilitated workshop that 
involves  a  diverse  set  of  stakeholders, 
including the decision-makers themselves. 
This participatory approach supports more 
robust  evaluations  by  integrating  multiple 
perspectives 
shared 
understanding.  

fostering 

and 

•  The  study  recommends  using  multiple 
leading  indicators  combined  with  simple 
scoring  methods,  rather  than  relying  on 
reduces 
single  metrics.  This  solution 

 
 
dependence on quantitative data, which is 
often  scarce  or  unreliable  at  the  early 
stages  of 
Incorporating  a 
broader  range  of  indicators  also  improves 
the  ability  to  capture  the  multifaceted 
nature of sustainability.  

innovation. 

•  The  use  of  scenario  and 

foresight 
techniques  to  better  manage  internal  and 
external  uncertainties  are  also  suggested. 
These  methods  help  assess  potential 
trade-offs and prepare for a range of future 
conditions,  making  the  evaluation  more 
resilient and forward-looking. 

adapted 

recommendations 

Beyond  these  core  propositions,  the  study 
identifies  additional 
to 
address  gaps  in  current  SA  practices:  1) 
adopting simplified approaches to uncertainty 
quantification  and  streamlined  multi-criteria 
decision  analysis 
(MCDA)  methods;  2)  
developing flexible and modular tools that can 
be 
or 
organisational  needs;  3)  embedding  circular 
the  assessment 
economy  principles 
process,  for  example  by  using  circularity 
focused indicators; and ensuring that tools are 
designed around the technology development 
process, taking into account the organisational 
factors 
successful 
implementation. 

that  may 

influence 

industry 

specific 

into 

to 

Figure 3. Distribution of technology assessment methods according to industrial sectors and types of technologies, 
as in Parolin et al. (2024). 

12 

 
 
 
 
5. Social  sciences  during  the  pandemic:  a  useful 

science-for-policy tool, or not? 

Moawad, L., Ludwicki-Ziegler, S., 2025. Social studies, technology assessment and the pandemic: 
a  comparative  analysis  of  social  studies-based  policy  advice  in  PTA  institutions  in  France, 
Germany 
crisis. 
https://doi.org/10.1332/17442648Y2024D000000043  

COVID-19 

during 

and 

the 

UK 

the 

•  During  the  pandemic,  parliamentary  technology  assessment  (TA)  used  social  sciences 
mainly as complement to the more dominant approach based on of science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

•  Social sciences were primarily used for issues related to ethics. 

•  Representation  of  social  sciences 

in  Parliamentary  TA 

institutions  lags  STEM 

representation. 

Moawad  and  Ludwicki-Ziegler  examine  the 
relationship 
and 
policymaking by focusing on disciplinary fields 
and  their  varying  treatment  in  parliamentary 
technology assessment (TA) institutions.  

evidence 

between 

Within  parliaments,  the  institutionalisation  of 
TA structures might help guarantee the solidity 
of the scientific statements made by experts as 
well  as  legitimise  evidence-based  political 
decision. 

In  the  last  few  years,  the  focus  on  using 
in  parliamentary  TA 
scientific  knowledge 
institutions  has  predominantly  been  to  the 
advantage of science, technology, engineering 
and  mathematics  (STEM).  When  looking  into 
the  ‘science  for  policy’  nexus,  social  studies 
are  particularly  at  stake,  as  they  are  more 
susceptible to criticism for their supposed lack 
of  neutrality.  Social  studies  are  often 
associated  with  low-level  types  of  evidence, 
whereas  randomised  controlled  trials  have 
long  been  the  gold  standard  for  evidence-
based policymaking.  

in 

However, in public debates, social studies are 
at  the  centre  stage  as  soon  as  demands  for 
tools to tackle ethical or moral issues emerge, 
such  as 
the  discussions  on  artificial 
intelligence  or  COVID-19.  Given  that  the 
pandemic was a moment of particular salience, 
the  study  aims  to  measure  the  democratic 
legitimation  of  social  studies  as  a  type  of 
knowledge that can and should be called on in 
times of crisis and assess their representation 
in parliamentary TA institutions and processes.  

The  article  employs  a  multi-method  analysis, 
combining  both  quantitative  and  qualitative 
content  analysis  of  the  outputs  produced  by 
three  parliamentary  TA  offices  (OPECST  in 
France,  TAB  in  Germany,  and  POST  in  the 
UK)  between  2020  and  2022  (i.e.,  during  the 
COVID-19 pandemic).  

The  analysis  focuses  on  how social  sciences 
have  been  represented,  both  in  the  topics 
‘given  to  be  seen’  and  by  the  people  who 
‘stand for’ them, within the TA process.  

The  results  indicate  that  social  studies  are 
used  primarily  as  a  complement  to  STEM. 
Although  POST,  TAB 
and  OPECST 
recognised the need to include social studies, 
they made uneven use of them. In 13.6% of the 
releases by TAB, 28.8% by POST, and 42.9% 
by  OPECST,  they  neither  contributed  directly 
nor indirectly to the communication output.  

The  extent  of  the  contributions  by  social 
studies also varies within individual POST and 
OPECST releases. In several cases, they were 
complementary  rather  than  integral  to  the 
overall  process.  In  the  three  selected  cases, 
ethical issues  were  prominently  placed  in  the 
contribution of social studies.  

Examining  the  academic  staff  reveals  an 
uneven  distribution  across  disciplines  in  the 
three cases. OPECST mirrors the preferences 
towards  STEM,  with  social  studies  only 
represented at the margins. At TAB, most staff 
members  have  a  social  science  background, 
and  more  than  half  have  also  completed  a 
degree in a STEM discipline. Consequently, a 
substantial  number  have  an  interdisciplinary 

13 

 
 
background  in  social  science  and  STEM. 
POST staff members are less interdisciplinary 
than TAB members; yet, a substantial number 
of staff members hold degrees in the arts and 
humanities.  However,  similarly  to  OPECST, 
there  is  a  clear  dominance  of  staff  members 
with a STEM background.  

In conclusion, only TAB provides a descriptive 
representation,  as  academic  staff  members 
reflect  the  diversity  of  academic  disciplines, 
unlike  OPECST  and  POST,  where  STEM 
subjects predominate. However, POST has a 
higher proportion of staff from social studies. 

Figure 4. Image extracted from Moawad and Ludwicki-Ziegler (2025) 

14 

 
 
 
6. Integrating technology scanning and assessment in 
hospitals:  three  strategic  frameworks  based  on 
innovation orientation and specialization of care 

Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Bernhard, F., 2025. Navigating the technological landscape in hospitals: A 
taxonomy of scanning and assessment integration types anchored in innovation orientation and 
specialization  of  care.  Technological  Forecasting  and  Social  Change  212,  123986. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2025.123986 

•  Hospitals often lack integrated frameworks for strategic technology decisions, leading to 

fragmented adoption of innovations. 

•  This paper proposes three frameworks based on Technology Scanning (TS), Technology 
Assessment  (TA)  and  their  integration,  guided  by  hospitals’  Innovation  Orientation  and 
Specialization of Care. 

•  These frameworks aim to help hospital leaders and policymakers to make more strategic, 

context-sensitive technology decisions. 

In  the  ever-changing  healthcare  landscape, 
hospitals  are  expected  to  contribute  to  the 
development 
novel 
technologies.  Despite  the  constant  influx  of 
innovations,  hospitals  often 
lack  clear 
theoretical  frameworks  for  making  strategic 
technology decisions.  

adoption 

and 

of 

To  address  this  gap,  the  study  proposes  the 
implementation  of  Technology  Scanning  (TS) 
and  Technology  Assessment  (TA)  as  an 
integrated process to make informed, forward-
looking  technology  choices.  While  TS  is  the 
identification of emerging technologies; (TA) is 
the evaluation of these technologies once they 
have  been  developed.  These  two  processes 
have been for long separated, possibly leading 
to  fragmented  decision-making  and  missed 
opportunities for strategic alignment, whereas 
the authors argue for integrating TS and TA. 

The study introduces a 2x2 framework based 
on two key hospital characteristics:  

• 

Innovation  Orientation  (IO),  the  hospital's 
novel 
to 
commitment 
technologies, and  

introducing 

•  Specialisation of Care (SoC), indicating the 

breadth of clinical services offered. 

Depending on each organizational context and 
strategic goals, the framework aims to provide 
a  better  understanding  of  how  hospitals  align 
their  approaches  to  TS  and  TA,  and  their 

15 

integration  with  strategic  decisions  on  new 
technologies.  

The paper identifies four strategies: 

•  Hospitals  with  a  strong 

by 

IO  and 
specialised SoC adopt a ‘Scanning by 
validating/Assessing 
testing’ 
approach:  they  identify  pioneering 
technologies at mid-level maturity and 
rigorously  validates  them  internally. 
TS  and  TA  are  fully  integrated  to 
support specialised innovation. 

•  Hospitals  with  a  strong  IO  and  more 
generic  SoC  adopt  a  ‘Scanning  by 
developing/Assessing  by  risk-taking’ 
approach: 
they  experiment  with 
emerging technologies across diverse 
clinical  areas.  TS  dominates  in  early 
stages,  followed  by  internal  TA  to 
generate  evidence. 
is 
flexible and dynamic, and it adapts as 
technologies mature. 

Integration 

•  Hospitals  with  a 

low 

IO  and 
specialised SoC adopt a ‘Scanning by 
exploring/Assessing  by  consensus’ 
approach:  They  cautiously  scan 
technologies  within  their  specialty, 
relying  on  expert consensus  for their 
assessment. Integration ensures only 
validated options are adopted. 

 
 
•  Hospitals  with  a 

low 

IO  and 
specialised SoC adopt a ‘Scanning by 
replicating/Assessing  by  evidence’ 
approach:  These  hospitals  adopt 
widely  proven  technologies  and  use 
evidence-based 
structured, 
cost-
ensure 
assessment 

to 

Integration 
effectiveness. 
systematically  filters  and  evaluates 
established solutions. 

With  this  framework,  the  authors  aim  to 
support  hospital  leaders  and  policymakers  to 
make  more 
context-sensitive 
technology decisions.  

strategic, 

Figure 5. Technology Scanning (TS) and Technology Assessment (TA), as in Pinelli et al. (2025). 

16 

 
 
 
 
7. Health  Technology  Assessment  (HTA):  Ensuring 

safe and effective healthcare systems  

Mirelman,  A.J.,  Goel,  K.,  Edejer,  T.T.-T.,  2025.  The  global  landscape  of  country-level  health 
technology  assessment  processes:  A  survey  among  104  countries.  Health  Policy  OPEN  8, 
100138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2025.100138  

•  Health  Technology  Assessment  (HTA)  underpins  evidence-informed  decision-making, 

which is essential for safe and sustainable healthcare systems. 

•  Most countries have formal HTA  mechanisms, but the absence of binding mandates in 

many limits their real-world policy impact. 

•  Wide disparities in staffing and core functions suggest that lower-capacity settings may 

struggle to perform thorough assessments. 

• 

Limited 
highlighting the need for stronger legal frameworks and targeted capacity building. 

transparency  and  weak  monitoring  practices  undermine  accountability, 

to 

processes 

Countries require evidence-informed, inclusive 
decision-making 
achieve 
universal  health  coverage.  To  this  purpose, 
Health  Technology  Assessment  (HTA)  has 
an 
become 
established 
framework 
to  support  evidence-informed 
decision-making  in  the  health  sector.  HTA 
serves  as  a  multidisciplinary  mechanism  to 
evaluate  the  medical,  social,  economic,  and 
ethical implications of health technologies.  

increasingly 

in  2020-2021 

The  objective  of  this  study  is  to  map  and 
describe  the  status  of  country-level  HTA 
processes  for  a  better  understanding  of  HTA 
practices  globally.  The  study  reviews  the 
results  of  a  global,  structured  survey 
conducted  by  the  World  Health  Organisation 
the 
(WHO) 
its 
institutionalisation  of  HTA, 
functions, 
and 
barriers,  across  104  (out  of  144)  responding 
covered 
countries. 
resources, 
institutional 
assessment,  appraisal, 
recommendations, 
monitoring,  and  barriers,  with  data  analysed 
descriptively using World Bank income groups 
and intervention categories. 

to  understand 
including 

arrangements, 

questionnaire 

governance, 

resources, 

The 

report  having 

Key  study  findings  indicate  that  82%  of 
countries 
formal  decision-
making  processes  for  health  technologies, 
although  only  62%  explicitly  label  them  as 
HTA.  

Core  HTA  activities  are  widespread  across 
surveyed  countries,  specifically  planning  and 

17 

budgeting (78% of surveyed countries), clinical 
guideline  development  (75%)  and  benefit-
package  design  (65%).  However,  while  over 
half  of  the  countries  consider  HTA  findings, 
only  about  one-third  of  them  enforce  binding 
requirements.  

Assessment timelines vary widely: 27% of the 
surveyed countries complete reviews within 1–
3 months, while 12% take over a year, and just 
one-fourth  follow  formal  economic  evaluation 
guidelines.  

Transparency is also uneven: less than half of 
the  countries  publish  reports  or  track  impact 
metrics,  while  15%  of  them  do  not  provide 
outputs.  

This  heterogeneity,  especially  across  income 
levels,  underscores  the  need  for  clear  legal 
mandates,  sustainable  funding,  standardised 
robust  monitoring  metrics  and 
methods, 
targeted  capacity  building  to  transform  HTA 
into  an  accountable,  evidence-driven  policy 
tool. 

In  conclusion,  the  global  growth  of  HTA  has 
shown significant progress, although low- and 
middle-income countries still need to improve 
their conditions.  

Future  research  should  focus  on  the  link 
between HTA and decision-making, its role in 
various  health  financing  models,  and  the 
impact of regional networks. 

 
 
 
 
Figure 6. Image extracted from Mirelman et al. (2025). 

18 

 
 
8. Mapping  emerging  technologies  in  aged  care: 

results from in-depth online research 

Fasoli, A., Beretta, G., Pravettoni, G., Sanchini, V., 2023. Mapping emerging technologies in 
aged care: results from an in-depth online research. BMC Health Services Research 23, 528. 
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09513-5  

•  Emerging  Technologies  (ETs)  have  gained  increasing  relevance  in  healthcare, 

particularly due to the rapid ageing of the population.  

•  From  a  methodological  standpoint,  the  identification  and  mapping  of  ETs’ 
functionalities need to be combined with an ethical reflection over their impact on 
elderly care.  

•  Most of the ETs identified in the study are used for monitoring purposes. 

•  Although these technologies bring clear benefits, they also raise significant ethical 

concerns regarding invasion, dehumanisation, and unequal access. 

The rapidly ageing population and the strain 
on  traditional  care  models  call  for  new 
evidence  to  understand  better  the  growing 
role of technology in supporting older adults.  

The  study  aims 
to  map  and  analyse 
Emerging  Technologies  (ETs)  currently 
used  in  elderly  care.  The  focus  is  on  ETs 
available  on  the  market  and  their  ethical 
implications.  

In order to identify and categorise ETs, the 
authors conducted a comprehensive online 
search using the Google search engine (in 
both  English  and  Italian),  with  keywords 
related  to  technology,  elderly  populations, 
and  care.  The  final  scope  of  the  analysis 
comprised 222 ETs.  

To  assess  the  ethical  implications  of  the 
selected technologies, the authors combine 
a manifest analysis of ETs’ websites with a 
in 
directed  content  analysis  grounded 
ethical  theories.  The  approach  drew  on 
relational  care  ethics,  principalism,  and 
public  health  ethics  to  identify  promoted 
values and potential risks, thereby allowing 
for the  revelation  of  implicit ethical  themes 
even  when  not  explicitly  stated  by  the 
technologies’ developers.  

The  article  finds  that  most  of  the  ETs 
identified  are  Unconventional  Monitoring 
Technologies (UNMTs), such as wearables 
and ambient sensors. These are followed by 
Socially  Assistive  Robots  (SARs),  which 
social 
support 
interaction,  whereas  Virtual  Reality 
Technologies  (VRTs)  represent  a  smaller 

activities 

daily 

and 

share,  primarily  used 
entertainment.  

for 

therapy  and 

The  results  of  the  analysis  suggest  that 
these  technologies  are  primarily  used  for 
passive  and  active  health  monitoring, 
emergency  detection,  fall  detection,  GPS 
tracking,  social  connectivity,  cognitive 
stimulation, and companionship.  

include 

The ethical analysis reveals that, while ETs 
in  elderly  care  promote  safety,  autonomy, 
and  connectedness,  they  also  pose  risks. 
invasion, 
These 
dehumanisation, and unequal access due to 
cost  and  to  the  barriers  typically  faced  by 
older adults  linked  to  limited  digital  literacy 
and  unequal  access  to  broadband,  among 
others.  

privacy 

the  need 

From  a  policy  perspective,  the  analysis 
highlights 
to  ensure  more 
equitable  access  to  ETs,  focusing  on  their 
affordability  and  the  necessity  of  reducing 
the digital divide. The authors advocate for 
informed 
clear  regulations  on  privacy, 
consent,  and  data  protection 
that  are 
tailored  to  individual  needs.  Regarding  the 
ethical concerns, policies should encourage 
user-centred  and  dignity-enhancing  design 
that 
respects  autonomy  and  avoids 
infantilisation, deception, or stigmatisation.  

Finally, the authors stress the importance of 
preventing  the  dehumanisation  of  care, 
emphasising  that  ETs  should  not  replace 
rather  should 
human 
promote  hybrid  models  where  technology 
can efficiently complement caregiving.  

interactions,  but 

19 

 
 
Figure 7. Image extracted from Fasoli et al. (2023). 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
9. Balancing  growth  and  conservation:  simulating 

rebound effects in circular dress rentals 

Metic, J., Guzzo, D., Kopainsky, B., McAloone, T.C., Pigosso, D.C.A., 2024. A simulation-based 
approach for investigating the dynamics of rebound effects in the circular economy: A case of use-
oriented  product/service  system.  Journal  of  Environmental  Management  365,  121627. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121627  

•  The  article  proposes  a  five-stage  simulation-based  ‘Approach  for  the  Identification  and 

Mitigation of potential Rebound Effects’ (AIMRE). 

•  AIMRE  quantifies  rebound  effects  and  pinpoints  key  metrics  like  additional  rentals  per 

price change for real-time monitoring. 

• 

Income-driven pricing can foster 25% extra usage, and availability increases turnover by 
15%, making price elasticity and utilisation rates key indicators. 

•  Dynamic  pricing  cuts  rebound  by  10%  versus  static,  and  coupling  availability  with 

environmental messaging delivers 12% net savings despite a 7% rebound. 

•  AIMRE’s  modular  structure  provides  a  sector-agnostic  tech-monitoring  framework  that 
can expand to include cost structures, emissions and other domain-specific metrics. 

change in rebound magnitude, demonstrating 
that  “price  adjustment  impact  on  demand 
spikes” is a key assessment metric. 

Combined  availability  with  environmental 
messaging yields a net 12% resource saving, 
despite a 7% rebound. This  finding highlights 
that  the  interaction  effects  between  service 
level  and  communication  can  be  used  as  a 
relevant combined monitoring signal. 

AIMRE  can  be  applied  to  any  service-based 
sector.  The  key  monitoring  metrics  (demand 
elasticity,  utilisation  rates,  messaging  impact) 
can  help  practitioners  with  a  concrete 
technology  monitoring  and  assessment 
framework  to  pre-empt  rebound  effects  and 
enhance sustainability.  

The  model  can  be  expanded  in  the  future  to 
integrate  other  relevant  indicators,  such  as 
producer-cost 
transport 
structures 
emissions. 

and 

The  paper 
introduces  a  scenario-based 
simulation model, AIMRE, designed to identify 
and  mitigate  rebound  effects 
in  circular 
economy  systems.  AIMRE  forecasts  rebound 
magnitudes  as  well  as  specifies  the  key 
parameters  that  practitioners  can  monitor  to 
manage circular economy services effectively. 

product 

elasticity, 

AIMRE  is  applied  to  a  high-end  dress-rental 
service, where fourteen scenarios explore how 
price 
availability, 
environmental  motivation  and  income  effects 
systemic  and  behavioural 
interact  as 
responses  that  can  undermine  sustainability 
gains. This approach enables the identification 
of relevant indicators to track. 

An income-driven rebound can result in up to 
25%  extra 
“additional 
rentals  per  price  change”  as  a  critical 
monitoring indicator. 

identifying 

rentals, 

Availability-focused  response  drives  a  15% 
increase  in  inventory  turnover,  signalling  the 
need to track real-time utilisation rates. 

The  comparison  between  dynamic  and  static 
pricing  scenarios  shows  a  10%  versus  18% 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 8. Image extracted from Metic et al. (2024) 

22 

 
 
 
10.  Holistic  technology  assessment:  the  case  of 

precision agriculture 

Rennings,  M.,  Baaden,  P.,  Block,  C.,  John,  M.,  Bröring,  S.,  2024.  Assessing  emerging 
sustainability-oriented  technologies:  the  case  of  precision  agriculture.  Scientometrics  129, 
2969–2998. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-024-05022-2  

•  The  study  applies  a  multi-layered  clustering  framework  to  assess  seventeen 
emerging  precision-agriculture  themes,  combining  maturity,  sustainability  and 
business-model views. 

•  Maturity  mapping  separates  scale-ready  technologies  (e.g.,  machine  vision,  soil 
carbon mapping) from nascent ones (e.g., IoT, UAVs) that require close tracking. 

•  SDG  impact  analysis  highlights  dual-benefit  themes like soil carbon  mapping  and 

flags weaker sustainability-aligned clusters for targeted support. 

•  A  business-model  review  reveals  that  established  clusters  have  clear  revenue 
pathways, while emerging ones face uncertainties in demand and cost, necessitating 
integrated innovation strategies. 

and machine vision to moisture sensors and 
water management. Furthermore, it utilises 
maturity  and  network-strength  mapping  to 
distinguish  scale-ready  technologies  from 
those that require close monitoring.  

SDG impacts analysis identifies dual-benefit 
clusters,  such  as  soil  organic  carbon 
mapping, which boosts both soil health and 
yield forecasting. This analysis enables the 
identification  of  other  technologies  with 
weaker  sustainability  impacts,  allowing  for 
targeted support.  

Finally, the business model review showed 
that  mature  clusters  often  already  have 
clear  value  propositions,  partner  networks, 
and  revenue  streams,  whereas  emerging 
clusters still face uncertainty over demand, 
pricing, and costs.  

results 

These 
that  a  holistic 
indicate 
framework  can  help  detect  and  assess 
mature  capabilities  as  a  foundation  for 
breakthrough 
than 
innovations 
incremental  improvements,  aligning  with 
sustainability  goals  to  guide  investments 
and technology adoption. 

rather 

The  global  challenges  of  our  century 
emphasise the need for a transition towards 
sustainability-oriented technologies (SOTs), 
which, in the early phases, carry both high 
uncertainty 
transformative 
potential.  

high 

and 

Early identification and assessment of these 
emerging  technologies  are  essential  to 
guide  companies’  strategies  and  to  inform 
policymakers  and  researchers  on  how  to 
best  support  them  across  the  whole  cycle, 
from  the  emergence  of  these  technologies 
to  their  scaling  phase.  However,  today’s 
assessment methods are slow, costly, and 
and 
siloed, 
sustainability separately. 

technology 

treating 

these  gaps  by 
This  study  addresses 
introducing  a  holistic 
that 
framework 
integrates  technology,  sustainability  and 
business-model  analysis.  An  application  to 
the  case  of  precision-agriculture  SOTs  is 
discussed.  This  approach  uses  spectral 
impact  assessment, 
clustering,  SDG 
subject-category 
strategic 
validation, 
mapping  and  business-model  review  to 
provide  comprehensive 
from 
emergence through scaling. 

insights 

The 
seventeen 
technology clusters, from disease detection 

identified 

analysis 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 9. Image extracted from Metic et al. (2024). 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
11.  Engaging society in guiding the development of 

Automated Vehicles 

Puhe, M., Fleischer, T., Schippl, J., 2025. Technology assessment in the mobility sector: What can 
we learn from social network analysis? TATuP  – Journal for Technology Assessment in Theory 
and Practice 34, 55–60. https://doi.org/10.14512/tatup.7175  

•  Automated  Vehicles  (AVs)  could  significantly  change  mobility  services  and  societal 
patterns, indicating the importance of including diverse public perspectives early in their 
development. 

• 

Incorporating  societal  views  currently  poses  challenges  as  people  struggle  to  imagine 
their real-life impacts and due to participation bias.  

•  Context-sensitive, participatory research methods can bridge these issues by combining 

social network analysis, mobility diaries, and scenario-based interviews. 

services, 

Automated  Vehicles  (AVs)  have  the  potential 
to  introduce  entirely  new  or  more  efficient 
mobility 
potentially 
significant societal impacts. It therefore forms 
a strong case for involving citizens in shaping 
the  development  of  these  AVs  to  ensure 
outcomes are both beneficial and sustainable.  

offering 

Nevertheless, incorporating societal views into 
the 
technological  development  process 
remains a challenge.  

In  particular,  for  the  participatory  technology 
assessment (TA), the following aspects should 
be addressed:  

•  Ex-ante  challenges:  AVs  are  an 
emerging 
technology.  Therefore, 
most  people  do  not  have  direct 
experience with them, making it hard 
to  anticipate  how  they  might  affect 
daily life or broader mobility patterns. 
Consequently,  public  input  is  often 
or 
abstract 
based 
on 
assumptions 
lived 
rather 
realities. 

ideas 

than 

•  Self-selection 

bias: 

Traditional 
participatory processes have typically 
attracted highly educated individuals, 
while 
some 
underrepresenting 
demographical  groups  (e.g.,  older 
adults  or  those  with  lower  income) 
who  may  have  been  more  directly 

affected  by  changes 
in  mobility, 
making  it  less  likely  to  have  their 
voices heard.  

To address these issues, the authors propose 
a research method combining qualitative social 
network  analysis  with  mobility  diaries  and  in-
depth interviews.  

the  social  connections  of 
By  mapping 
individuals  and 
real-world 
their 
tracking 
routines, researchers could better understand 
the role that mobility plays in maintaining social 
ties  and  meeting  everyday  needs.  By 
presenting 
concrete, 
participants  with 
scenario-based questions about AVs, they can 
reflect on how these options might fit into their 
own lives. 

This  approach  provides  a  context-sensitive 
method that can help bridge the gap between 
the  current  reality  of  mobility  patterns  and 
future technological ambitions. It also ensures 
range  of 
consideration  of  a  broader 
perspectives from those who benefit and those 
who lose in the transition to AVs.  

Generally, these participatory approaches are 
essential  for  guiding  the  development  of 
automated vehicles in ways that align with the 
diverse needs of society. 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
26 

 
 
 
 
 
12.  List of References 

Børsen,  T.,  2025.  Technology  assessment  and  postnormal  science.  Futures  166,  103515. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2024.103515  

Fasoli, A., Beretta, G., Pravettoni, G., Sanchini, V., 2023.  Mapping emerging technologies in 
aged care: results from an in-depth online research. BMC Health Services Research 23, 528. 
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09513-5  

Metic, J., Guzzo, D., Kopainsky, B., McAloone, T.C., Pigosso, D.C.A., 2024. A simulation-based 
approach for investigating the dynamics of rebound effects in the circular economy: A case of 
use-oriented  product/service  system.  Journal  of  Environmental  Management  365,  121627. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121627  

Mirelman,  A.J.,  Goel,  K.,  Edejer,  T.T.-T.,  2025.  The  global  landscape  of  country-level  health 
technology  assessment  processes:  A  survey  among  104  countries.  Health  Policy  OPEN  8, 
100138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2025.100138  

Moawad,  L.,  Ludwicki-Ziegler,  S.,  2025.  Social  studies,  technology  assessment  and  the 
pandemic: a comparative analysis of social studies-based policy advice in PTA institutions in 
France, 
crisis. 
UK 
https://doi.org/10.1332/17442648Y2024D000000043  

COVID-19 

Germany 

during 

and 

the 

the 

Musango,  J.K.,  2025.  Advancing  technology  assessment  in  energy  transitions:  A  semi-
systematic  literature  review.  Renewable  and  Sustainable  Energy  Reviews  208,  115060. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2024.115060  

Parolin,  G.,  McAloone,  T.C.,  Pigosso,  D.C.A.,  2024.  How  can  technology  assessment  tools 
support  sustainable  innovation?  A  systematic  literature  review  and  synthesis.  Technovation 
129, 102881. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102881  

Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Bernhard, F., 2025. Navigating the technological landscape in hospitals: 
A taxonomy of scanning and assessment integration types anchored in innovation orientation 
and  specialization  of  care.  Technological  Forecasting  and  Social  Change  212,  123986. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2025.123986  

Puhe, M., Fleischer, T., Schippl, J., 2025. Technology assessment in the mobility sector: What 
can  we  learn  from  social  network  analysis?  TATuP  –  Journal  for Technology  Assessment  in 
Theory and Practice 34, 55–60. https://doi.org/10.14512/tatup.7175  

Rennings,  M.,  Baaden,  P.,  Block,  C.,  John,  M.,  Bröring,  S.,  2024.  Assessing  emerging 
sustainability-oriented  technologies:  the  case  of  precision  agriculture.  Scientometrics  129, 
2969–2998. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-024-05022-2  

27 

 
 
 
GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE EU 

In person 
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online (european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu/meet-us_en). 

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You can contact this service: 
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FINDING INFORMATION ABOUT THE EU 

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datasets from European countries. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This publication explores Technology Monitoring and Assessment 
(TMA), vital for guiding investments, regulation and policy. Based 
on most recent scientific publications, this literature review explores 
how TMA helps identifying emerging and critical technologies, 
addressing complexity, uncertainty, and ethical dilemmas. The 
literature clearly shows the need for integrated, multidisciplinary 
approaches able to consider uncertainty and ethical dilemmas, 
while involving stakeholders and decisionmakers. 

Studies and reports