Dual dynamics of promises, and waiting games around emerging nanotechnologies.

Newly emerging science and technologies (NEST) are shaped by dynamics of promises. There is a paradoxical effect: diffuse and open-ended promises are forceful in policy discourse, but may hinder the realisation of these promises. Innovation actors are reluctant to invest in concrete developments because the promises are open-ended, and eventual demand is not articulated. This is a structural issue, and leads to ‘waiting games’ in which actors are entangled. We show how the occurrence of waiting games is linked to dual dynamics of promises in two fields where nanotechnology offers an open-ended (‘umbrella’) promise: organic and large area electronics and nano-enabled drug delivery. Based on such understanding of dynamics, our scenario exercises explored strategies to overcome waiting game

Taxonomy of delays in the implementation of hospital computerized physician order entry and clinical decision support systems for prescribing:a longitudinal qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Implementation delays are common in health information technology (HIT) projects. In this paper, we sought to explore the reasons for delays in implementing major hospital-based HIT, through studying computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and clinical decision support (CDS) systems for prescribing and to develop a provisional taxonomy of causes of implementation delays. METHODS: We undertook a series of longitudinal, qualitative case studies to investigate the implementation and adoption of CPOE and CDS systems for prescribing in hospitals in the U.K. We used a combination of semi-structured interviews from six case study sites and two whole day expert roundtable discussions to collect data. Interviews were carried out with users, implementers and suppliers of CPOE/CDS systems. We used thematic analysis to examine the results, drawing on perspectives surrounding the biography of artefacts. RESULTS: We identified 15 major factors contributing to delays in implementation of CPOE and CDS systems. These were then categorized in a two-by-two delay classification matrix: one axis distinguishing tactical versus unintended causes of delay, and the second axis illustrating internal i.e., (the adopting hospital) versus external (i.e., suppliers, other hospitals, policymakers) related causes. CONCLUSIONS: Our taxonomy of delays in HIT implementation should enable system developers, implementers and policymakers to better plan and manage future implementations. More detailed planning at the outset, considering long-term strategies, sustained user engagement, and phased implementation approaches appeared to reduce the risks of delays. It should however be noted that whilst some delays are likely to be preventable, other delays cannot be easily avoided and taking steps to minimize these may negatively affect the longer-term use of the system

Constructive TA of Newly Emerging Technologies Stimulating learning by anticipation through bridging events

Values and TechnologyTechnology, Policy and Managemen

Scenario based learning regarding contested articulations of sustainability: The example of hydropower and Sweden's energy future

Providing electricity from renewable sources is of key importance both to reduce depletion of fossil fuels and reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses. Many of the renewable energy technologies are not ideal for electricity networks. Reservoir hydropower is one of the most ideal renewable sources as it can store energy efficiently, and can be made quickly available in cases of peak loads. Reservoir hydropower generation has considerable impact on the landscape. Reservoirs and dams are perhaps the most visible elements, but the effects of a regulated flow of rivers on the river ecosystem, and the ecology of the river banks, is considerable. In Sweden, hydropower has a long tradition of being an arena for environmental controversy. Historically, various river related economic interests collided, but nowadays river basin ecology and sports fisheries are important issues too. [cf. 1]. Swedish Government has high ambitions regarding climate change: it aims at becoming the first fossil free country within 40 years. Unlike the traditional image of Swedish society, there is no consensus on the hydropower issue but a fortified dissensus. Communication between the contestants is limited to regular clashes (accusations) in the media rather than sensible interaction between different stakeholders on basis of substance of the issues at stake. This paper describes a specific approach which brings together different stakeholders in an orchestrated and supported setting so that interaction between different stakeholders can take place on basis of the content and substance of various issues that are faced. The main aim of the workshop was to facilitate interaction through which the participants could gain a more substantive insight in each other’s positions and background arguments regarding different issues at hand. The interaction was supported by specific tools: External scenarios and value based scenarios were developed for analyzing the future of (hydro-) electricity production in Sweden. We evaluate specific learning effect of the participants as a measure of productivity of our approach. The attendance of the workshop was very good. Our post workshop evaluations show very encouraging results in terms of new insights in each other’s positions.Values and TechnologyTechnology, Policy and Managemen