Generative artificial intelligence is of interest to the Norwegian Board of Technology in two ways. Our mandate is to analyse new technologies and provide independent advice to the Norwegian Parliament and other authorities on challenges and opportunities. At the same time, we are a knowledge-based workplace that must consider how best to make use of the technology in our own work.
In this project we are testing how generative AI can be used in our technology assessment activities. We explore suitable applications and consider ethical dilemmas and risks, with an open and exploratory approach to experimenting with AI tools.
We have defined typical tasks in technology assessment across three phases:
- Trend analysis and project design: Identifying emerging developments, technologies, and trends that may have societal impact.
- Carrying out technology assessment projects: Choosing topics, methods, and project design; gathering insights through literature studies; involving stakeholders, experts, and citizens; and preparing reports.
- Communication: Disseminating insights, assessments, and recommendations through reports, meetings, lectures, op-eds, blog posts, website content, social media, and more.
We are trying out different AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini for specific tasks within each of these phases. Their use and our experiences are logged and analysed. We also assess to what extent generative AI can support:
- automation of structured tasks
- critical thinking, creativity and idea development
- learning processes
In addition to our own experiences, we build on relevant literature about the use of generative AI in knowledge work. We also hold ongoing discussions with the international European Technology Assessment Network (EPTA).
Project aim
To explore and adopt generative AI as a tool for technology assessment, while considering ethical issues and risks concerning critical thinking, privacy, bias, and environmental impact.
What we have done so far
- May 2024: Workshop on the use of generative AI in technology assessment with the Directors of the member institutions of the EPTA network in Svalbard.
- October 2024: Workshop on the use of generative AI in technology assessment at the EPTA Practitioners’ Meeting in Copenhagen.
- Spring 2025: Systematic testing and collection of experiences among our staff.
- June 2025: Presentation of our findings at ETAC6 –the first global conference for technology assessment, in Vienna.
Next steps
We will broaden our experience base by testing generative AI on additional tasks. We will also carry out a systematic evaluation of its use based on quality criteria for technology assessment.
