Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is based on an approach that anticipates and assesses potential implications and societal expectations regarding research and innovation, with the aim of fostering inclusive and sustainable research and innovation design.
RRI involves stakeholders (researchers, citizens, policy makers, businesses, third sector organisations, etc.) working together throughout the research and innovation process to better align both the process and its outcomes with societal values, needs and expectations.
Responsible research and innovation became a cross-cutting theme during the implementation of Horizon 2020, the EU Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2014-2020.
Today, this theme continues in the approaches that make up Horizon Europe, the current European Union (EU) framework programme for research and innovation (R&I) for the period 2021-2027. This programme proposes a systemic reinforcement of the European Research Area, including actions to support and reinforce the scientific base, open science, policy formulation and implementation, research careers, citizen participation in science, socially responsible research and gender equality in research careers.
The European Commission describes the RRI as a framework consisting of six key action points:
How can researchers implement RRI?
Researchers should anticipate and assess the possible consequences and implications of their R&I, aligning scientific and technical development with the values and needs of European society. Designing and implementing RRI means:
- Involving societal actors and citizens in research and innovation activities from the outset.
- Ensure gender equality in the research process and research content.
- Respect fundamental rights and ethical standards.
- Increase access to scientific results (open access).
- Promote formal and informal science education.