Büro für Technikfolgen-Abschätzung beim Deutschen Bundestag (TAB)
Office of Technology Assessment at the German Parliament

TAB is an independent scientific institution established to advise the German Bundestag and its committees on matters relating to science, technology, and innovation. It’s primary task is to design and implement technology assessment projects as well as observing and analysing important scientific and technological trends and related societal developments.

By providing impartial analyses, TAB enhances the information available to the German parliament, offering a scientific foundation for forming opinions and engaging in debate about technological developments and innovations within parliament and society.

Since 1990, TAB has been operated by the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), in cooperation with other research institutions.

TAB’s work is commissioned by the German Bundestag and tailored to the needs of its committees. The Committee on Research, Technology, Space and Technology Assessment provides political oversight and decides on new TA projects. All parliamentary groups and committees can propose topics. A permanent group of TA rapporteurs, with one member from each group, prepares committee decisions on a consensus basis and in close consultation with TAB.

TAB’s director is responsible for the scientific quality of its work. All results are published and freely accessible, with final reports also appearing as official Bundestag documents (Bundestagsdrucksachen).