ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes impressions of the state-of-the-art in socioeconomic assessments for large-scale projects, and to point out those areas where additional conceptual and/or empirical effort is needed to allow for more adequate assessments. When the techniques which are most commonly employed in socioeconomic impact assessment are evaluated, one immediate conclusion is that methods and approaches leave much to be desired. Many assessments are based on inadequate methods, utilize inappropriate data bases, and frequently achieve only a partial analysis of the relevant impact dimensions. A review of impact assessment practices reveals a need for additional conceptual and analytical refinement within each major impact assessment category. The need for improved conceptualization and refined analytical approaches is even more apparent when the integration of various impact dimensions is considered. Impact assessment efforts must give greater attention to the information requirements of decision makers.
