An approach for prioritizing types of TA-knowledge for long-term governance of mobility

Abstract

Several new technologies are expected to unfold their transformative potential in the mobility sector in the coming decades. Examples include electric vehicles (EVs), automated vehicles (AVs), or blockchain technology. Long-term governance must take these innovations into account, supported by knowledge from technology assessment (TA). A transparent and comprehensible choice of TA methods is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to long-term strategic decisions that may influence the direction of socio-technical transitions. This article proposes a typology of innovations in the mobility sector that helps justify and legitimize the prioritization of TA knowledge and methods.Several new technologies are expected to unfold their transformative potential in the mobility sector in the coming decades. Examples include electric vehicles (EVs), automated vehicles (AVs), or blockchain technology. Long-term governance must take these innovations into account, supported by knowledge from technology assessment (TA). A transparent and comprehensible choice of TA methods is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to long-term strategic decisions that may influence the direction of socio-technical transitions. This article proposes a typology of innovations in the mobility sector that helps justify and legitimize the prioritization of TA knowledge and methods