Abstract :
[en] This article links the theory of reflexive modernization to Parliamentary Technology
Assessment (PTA) by considering the latter as an indication of modern Western societies
becoming more reflexive, that is, acknowledging and responding to the limitations of
modern traditions by institutionalizing new processes of technology assessment to address
a realm of change where uncertainty is no longer contained within modern structures. Our
conceptual framework must address both the emergence and functioning of PTA in the
form of institutions and the practices that are pursued within (or around, and linked to)
such institutions, with due attention being paid to the multiple approaches currently being
debated around the transformation of modernity and reflexivity. Reflexive modernization
offers a relevant theoretical approach to analyzing hybrid entities like PTA institutions. We
demonstrate this by analyzing three such institutions (Science and Technology Options
Assessment [STOA, European Parliament], Institute for Society and Technology [IST, Flan-
ders, Belgium] and Rathenau Institute [The Netherlands]), mapping their different
approaches and practices in terms of features of reflexive modernization. There appears to
be an overall reflexivity pathway, on which some PTAs have moved farther than others, but
their progress is fractured by the resilience of modern institutions. We conclude that to
ensure their role in the current institutional landscapes of evolving modern societies, the
most important thing for PTA institutions is therefore to somehow develop a relevant
approach while dealing with the necessary margin of maneuver for further adaptation and
transformation.
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