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TECHNOLOGY IN CONTEXT This text is a comprehensive and accessible analysis of technology assessment. The author argues against a narrow view of technology as simply a means of making a profit and instead advocates a longterm view which considers the wider interests of the firm and society. Technology in Context defines and describes technology assessment in detail and shows the role it can and should play in the strategic management of firms. In particular, the author demonstrates what information is needed to manage technology effectively and with the greatest possible benefit to the firm and its employees. Technology assessment supplies an early warning of the potential hazards of technologies, and provides the necessary information to allow managers to make informed choices about the impact of technology on the firm and society. The text also explores the main problems associated with the application of technology including the danger of environmental degradation and the problems of employment and skills. Technology in Context is a complete introduction to the theory and methods of technology assessment as a tool of strategic management. It will be a useful book for all those interested in the management and social role of technology. Ernest Braun is Emeritus Professor and former Head of the Technology Policy Unit, Aston University, UK. He has also held the posts of Head of the Technology Assessment Unit, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, and Visiting Professor, Centre for Technology Strategy, Open University. His books include Futile Progress (1995) and Wayward Technology (1986). THE MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Edited by David Preece, University of Portsmouth, UK, and John Bessant, University of Brighton/SPRU, UK The books in this series offer grounding in central elements of the management of technology and innovation. Each title will explain, develop and critically explore issues and concepts in a particular aspect of the management of technology/innovation, combining a review of the current state of knowledge with the presentation and discussion of primary material not previously published. Each title is designed to be user-friendly with an international orientation and key introductions and summaries. New titles in this series include: TELEWORKING: INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES From Telecommuting to the Virtual Organisation Edited by Paul J.Jackson, Brunel University, UK, and Jos M.van der Wielen, Tilburg University, The Netherlands TECHNOLOGY IN CONTEXT Technology assessment for managers Ernest Braun London and New York First published 1998 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2005. “To purchase your own copy of this or any of Taylor & Francis or Routledge’s collection of thousands of eBooks please go to www.eBookstore.tandf.co.uk.” Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001 © 1998 Ernest Braun All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Braunm Ernest, 1925—Technology in context: technology assessment for managers/ Ernest Braun. Includes bibliographical references and index. 1. Technology assessment. 2. Technology-Management. I. Title. T174.5.B75 1988 657.5 ′ 14-dc21 97–37967 CIP ISBN 0-203-98022-0 Master e-book ISBN ISBN 0-415-18342-1 (hbk) ISBN 0-415-18343-X (pbk) CONTENTS 1 <