The specific task of the IAG Gene Technology Report is to shed light on the complex field of gene technologies, also known as genetic engineering, in Germany, and to present it in a measurable and representative form for both experts and lay persons. It is collecting data on genetic engineering and identifies problem areas as well as indicators that relate relevant data to the development of the field.
To this end, an approach taken from the social sciences was developed that permits the systematic formulation of such indicators as well as of its implications from the scientific, economic, ecological, ethical, political and societal angle.
In order to depict „public perception“ as the determining factor for the identification of problem areas, all contributions in four selected national and high-circulation newspapers and journals are compiled over a perioud of one year using a keyword search for each subject examined. Furthermore, additional relevant opinions as well as statements available on the internet are considered. These compilations then serve as a source for identifying the problem areas connected to the chosen subject by analysing the texts, identifiying key issues and questions raised.
The problem areas are then positioned in a figure in relationship to four lead dimensions that offer an orientation framework: science, economy, social aspects and ethics. This procedure reveals that the problem areas have contextual links to these overarching lead dimensions and makes it possible to see how the problem areas relate. In this way an overarching, pan-societal impression is obtained. This figure underlines the fact that technical innovations are always part of diverse interactions.
Lead dimensions and problem areas are presented in graphical form for all topics. As explained above the arrangement of the problem areas shows to which of the different dimensions they primarily belong and which cross-relations and intersections exist between them. The fact that locating problem areas within the figure cannot always be precise results from the multi-perspectives of the topics. Also, the graphic depiction of the problem areas (different colors) reflects the intensity of their discussion in the media analysed.
The next step is to operationalise problem areas in order to obtain measurable and comparable statements on the respective research area. This is done by specifying adequate indicators for the problem areas that can then be used to describe them in figures. But not every problem area can be automatically assigned to indicators. In the context of many of the technologies, for instance the ethical repercussions consequences for life are negotiated which cannot be depicted in a comparable manner. When a problem area cannot be related to an indicator, this void is filled by a qualitative description.
Depiction of the working methods of the IAG Gene Technology Report: problem areas of gene technology
