What are techno-anthropologists?

Techno-Anthropology calls for a new conception of anthropology by combining contributions and theoretical positions from different disciplines ( Post-phenomenology, critical theories, Actor-network theory, Science and Technology Studies etc). Although different understandings of what technologies mean are integrated into the curriculum, they describe technologies (and sciences) as not value-free, within their social-technical contexts. Thus  different technologies can impact  society in a multitude of ways following their designs or the context. All modern companies and organizations will have to understand this to mitigate undesirable effects, when implementing new technologies to various degrees (micro, meso, macro).

Techno-anthropologists (T-A) can help with this task to better acknowledge the societal effects or impacts of technological innovations, mediate human-technology interactions but also of scientific projects. They interact with the different stakeholders that are involved in the design process and the use of a technology or even more directly on the technical artifact, in order to ensure socially robust solutions. ( the T-A triangle depicts the different relationships and necessary expertise between designers; users and stakeholders).