This book makes significant advances in analyzing the relationship between technology and society. It highlights both the policy implications of this relationship and new possibilities for intervention by government, policymakers, managers and the public.
Shaping Technology, Guiding Policy examines and utilizes a variety of recently emerging concepts which highlight the scope for local discretion and choice in the way that technologies are designed and used, as well as the broader structures and systems that may serve to restrict choice. By applying these concepts to an analysis of case studies of various social and technical settings, the book explores their utility for understanding the ways in which contemporary technologies are developed and applied and how they are made to influence society.
Academics and researchers from a wide variety of perspectives will find this new book fascinating reading. Technology policymakers and practitioners will also find the book of great interest.
Knut Sørensen, Professor of Sociology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway and Robin Williams, Professor of Socio-Economic Research, University of Edinburgh, UK
