Paper long abstract:

This paper is part of a research project investigating whether, where and how more integrated forms of assessment of emerging science and technology could make a positive difference in European decision-making. The paper presents an in-depth case study focusing on the process of knowledge use by the European Commission's (EC) DG Connect in its production of a cloud computing strategy. The case study describes the development of an international field of assessments and how this field was drawn upon and influenced by the EC strategy formulation process. The paper critically discusses this process based on assumptions from the literature on integrated forms of assessment and with a view to the quality criteria for knowledge use set out in the EC's internal guidelines. On the basis of this discussion, the paper attempts to identify specific needs for more integrated assessment forms in the EC's processes of knowledge use.