Georg Aichholzer Book order

There is a widely acknowledged evaluation gap in the field of e-participation practice and research, a lack of systematic evaluation with regard to process organization, outcome and impacts. This book addresses the state of the art of e-participation research and the existing evaluation gap by reviewing various evaluation approaches and providing a multidisciplinary concept for evaluating the output, outcome and impact of citizen participation via the Internet as well as via traditional media. It offers new knowledge based on empirical results of its application (tailored to different forms and levels of e-participation) in an international comparative perspective. The book will advance the academic study and practical application of e-participation through fresh insights, largely drawing on theoretical arguments and empirical research results gained in the European collaborative project “e2democracy”. It applies the same research instruments to a set of similar citizen participation processes in seven local communities in three countries (Austria, Germany and Spain). The generic evaluation framework has been tailored to a tested toolset, and the presentation and discussion of related evaluation results aims at clarifying to what extent these tools can be applied to other consultation and collaboration processes, making the book of interest to policymakers and scholars alike.

This book explores the evolving landscape of technology policy, addressing the dynamic interplay between governments and markets. It begins with a shift from socio-economic to socially oriented innovation policy, highlighting the dilemma of whether to promote or regulate innovation. The text reflects on new technology policy concepts, particularly in West Germany, and discusses the sustainability of industrial society. It introduces Constructive Technology Assessment, a novel approach from the Netherlands, and examines the integration of social and environmental costs in high-tech development planning in the U.S. The experiences of a socially oriented technology policy in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, are analyzed, alongside national policies in France aimed at integrating technology and environmental considerations. The historical development of Japanese science and technology policy is presented in relation to socio-economic policy, while Denmark's national systems of innovation are scrutinized. The book also addresses Finland's movement towards a socially oriented technology policy and explores the challenges faced by Spain in this domain. Finally, it discusses Austria's integrated strategy under social partnership conditions, concluding with biographical notes and comprehensive subject and name indexes.