A Short Guide to Responsible Innovation
Responsible innovation (RI) is a process that seeks to promote creativity and opportunities for science and innovation that are socially desirable and undertaken in the public interest. It accepts that questions can be raised about research, and that research can be ambiguous and unpredictable in its outcomes. RI takes the wider impacts of research and innovation into account, whatever they may be, to minimise potential negative impacts, and maximise those that are positive and beneficial for society.
The EPSRC Area Framework is all about the "how"
Anticipate
What impacts, intended or otherwise, may arise? It’s not necessary to predict WHAT these could be, but look at HOW these could be explored? These may be societal, economic, environmental or from an unintended scientific output. If it’s a negative output, how can this be addressed? Can a negative be turned into a benefit in some way?
Reflect
Consider what CONSEQUENCES may result from your research impact? What QUESTIONS will arise, unintended or otherwise, that you may not be able to answer? Will your research result in any ETHICAL DILEMMAS or SOCIAL TRANSFORMATIONS that should be considered?
Engage
Based on what you have considered, open this up to broader DELIBERATION and DIALOGUE. ENGAGE with those who may be impacted, DISCUSS potential benefits and negative impacts. Be INCLUSIVE wherever possible.
Act
Using what you have anticipated, reflected upon, and engaged potential stakeholders about, how does this INFLUENCE THE DIRECTION of your research? Will this lead to NEW projects? Can any unintended impacts be mitigated? This may involve reaching out to researchers from other disciplines or areas of interest, initiating new collaborations.
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