ITAS is the largest and longest standing scientific institution in Germany dealing with technology assessment (TA) and systems analysis in theory and practice.
It produces analytical knowledge and assessments of socio-technical developments in order to provide policy and design options for decision-makers.
It is also member of the European Parliamentary Technology Assessment (EPTA) Network and of the UNEP-SETAC Life Cycle Initiative.
In 1977 the division of Applied Systems Analysis (AFAS) is established as an independently operating off-spring of the IASR, which is headed by Herbert Paschen.
On 1 July 1995 this unit was upgraded becoming the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS).