Responsible Research and Innovation
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Who would have thought that innovation could harm human interests – it’s usually for the better, right? Well, not always, according to scholars who study Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). They found that rapid scientific advances and technological development can have adverse societal impacts, and that we need to take steps to minimize these impacts and maximize positive societal outcomes. As a result, scientists, researchers, and policymakers must prioritize responsible innovation, or innovation with inclusive and ethical societal goals. This field of study is interdisciplinary, and these professionals come from diverse fields such as science, technology, public policy, and the humanities.
Societal Engagement
One of the core principles of RRI is societal engagement. Historically, the public and the scientific community have had a strained relationship. However, RRI strives to address this, and encourages scientists and researchers to communicate their work with the public early and often. This allows for the public to influence research and innovation in ways that align with their needs and values, rather than scientists and researchers dictating what they think the public should want and need.
This is particularly important as the public is increasingly skeptical of scientific research and innovation. In the United States, for example, only 32% of Americans have a great deal of confidence in the scientific community. This is down from 41% in 1975. There are a number of reasons for this decline in trust. One reason is that the public is often not well-informed about science. Another reason is that the public is concerned that science is being used for harmful purposes. By opening up the dialogue between the scientific community and the public, RRI can help to address these concerns and rebuild trust.
