Technology assessment (TA) is a term for processes that collect, interpret and evaluate information and perspectives about different technological options, in order to inform investments, strategies or policies (see Figure 1). It can play an important part in steering science, technology and innovation towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and addressing the sustainability objectives at the centre of the Rio+20 summit in June 2012. This briefing outlines work conducted at the STEPS Centre that investigates how ‘new models’ of technology assessment may support these development aims.

The production of this briefing was made possible through financial support from the Rockefeller Foundation.

This briefing accompanies the Working Paper New models of Technology Assessment for Development.