Abstract
Aims: we propose a sociotechnical taxonomy for the analysis of
socio-economic disruptions caused by technological innovations.
Methodology: a transdisciplinary principled approach is used to build
the taxonomy through categorization and characterization of technologies
using concepts and definitions originating from cybernetics,
occupational science, and economics. The sociotechnical taxonomy is then
used, with the help of logical propositions, to connect the
characteristics of different categories of technologies to their
socio-economic effects, for example their externalities. Results: we
offer concrete illustrations of concepts and uses, and an Industry 5.0
case study as an application of the taxonomy. We suggest that the
taxonomy can inform the analysis of opportunities and risks related to
technological disruptions, specially of those that result from the rise
of cognitive machines.