Technology assessment assumes a global perspective and is future-oriented rather than backward-looking or anti-technological. ("Scientific research and science-based technological innovation is an indispensable prerequisite of modern life and civilization. There is no alternative. For six or eight billion people there is no way back to a less sophisticated life style" [Mohr, Hans: "Technology Assessment in Theory and Practice", Techné: Journal of the Society for Philosophy and Technology, Vol. 4, No. 4 (Summer, 1999)]). TA considers its task as interdisciplinary approach to solving already existing problems and preventing potential damage caused by the uncritical application and the commercialization of new technologies. Therefore any results of technology assessment studies must be published, and particular consideration must be given to communication with political decision-makers.
Some of the major fields of TA – not an exhaustive list: