Defining ‘Responsible’ in Responsible Research and Innovation: The Case of Quadruple Helix Innovation in the Energy Sector in the Tampere Region

This paper aims to investigate the social innovation process in the innovation ecosystem of the Tampere region, taking the energy sector as an example. It focuses on analysing how responsible research and innovation (RRI) activities are understood by regional stakeholders, particularly regarding how the roles of different actors (universities, public agencies, industry, and citizens) are constituted, and how different actors facilitate social innovation. The research questions are approached by the conceptual framework of Quadruple Helix which is useful for understanding the roles of citizens and interwoven fabric in innovation ecosystems, including social innovation. Empirically, the paper is based on analysing qualitative interviews with 12 stakeholders in the energy sector in Tampere. It is supplemented by analysing national and regional documents related to energy policies and the role of research and universities as well as citizens in sustainable (economic) development. Based on our findings the responsibility in research and innovation activities is not defined by utilising existing conceptual approaches or EU policies, such as RRI.

How the Analytic Hierarchy/Network Process Supports a More Responsible and Committed Research and Innovation

This essay is a brief presentation of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). It is an interesting framework that the European Union has been building around science that is more aware of global challenges. It also highlights the usefulness of AHP/ANP as valuable tools to handle the complexities derived from the implementation of a multidimensional concept such as RRI.

Evaluating researcher and stakeholder perspectives on socially responsible research and innovation practices in research performing organisations

The European Commission-funded GRRIP (Grounding RRI Practices) project aims to embed sustainable Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) practices in five research performing organisations (RPOs), focusing on the marine and maritime sector. The project’s goal is to achieve institutional and cultural change through a cycle of evaluation, evidence-based interventions and further evaluation. For this purpose, a set of three surveys were designed and implemented in the first part of the project (2020) to establish a baseline measurement of RRI-related practices within the project partner institutions and their stakeholders. Each survey was specifically designed to target a relevant category of people for each of the five RPOs implementing RRI actions. These five institutions are research departments and centres linked to the marine and maritime sector in Ireland, Spain, Portugal, France and the UK. This paper presents the design of these survey-based evaluation instruments and the linked datasets generated by their implementation.

Effective inter-organisational networks for Responsible Research and Innovation and global sustainability: a scoping review

Background: Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is beyond the capacity of any single organisation. The principles of engaging stakeholders suggest that an engaged, multi-sectoral approach, such as described in models of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), hold promise to mobilise humanity to solve complex and urgent global issues. Methods: This scoping review explores the characteristics of effective and sustainable inter-organisational networks for fostering RRI in service of the SDGs. The review focuses on strategies to initiate and maintain international communities of practice relevant to the implementation of RRI and/or SDGs. The search began with themes derived from prior network theory, focusing on: (a) the type and function of networks; (b) the aims and vision; and (c) the relationships between networks and network members. In total, 55 articles on inter-organisational network theory were included for the final analysis. Results: Results are reported under themes of: (1) Effectiveness, Sustainability, and Success; (2) Governance and Management; and (3) Network Relationship. Network structures, forms of management and funding are linked to sustainable networks. Potential threats include power imbalances within networks, and internal and external factors that may affect relationships at network and community levels. Few studies examine diversity or cultural viewpoints. Studies highlight the benefits of networks such as enhancing knowledge sharing among researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders. Conclusions: The effectiveness of the managerial structure may be observed as outputs of the intention and values of an inter-organisational network. Our review demonstrates that a global inter-organisational network approach is achievable. Such a network would have many benefits, including allowing organisations to be responsive and flexible towards change and innovation.

Formação de professores

Objetivou-se investigar e desenvolver Recursos Educacionais Abertos (REA) digitais e ações voltadas para a conscientização e disseminação da Pesquisa e Inovação Responsáveis (Responsible Research and Innovation - RRI) como prática pedagógica. A metodologia utilizada foi a da pesquisa-ação com análises quantitativas e qualitativas. A 1ª etapa consistiu na elaboração do MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), o qual foi aplicado em 2ª etapa a estudantes de licenciatura para validação. Na 3ª etapa aplicou-se o curso para profissionais da educação das cinco regiões do Brasil.[1] Analisou-se o emprego das dez habilidades da RRI, propostas pelo Projeto Europeu Engage, sobre o tema “Pandemia da COVID-19” em situações didáticas. Obteve-se como resultados 345 inscritos, sendo que 198 iniciaram o curso e 53 o finalizaram. Concluiu-se que aliada ao uso de metodologias ativas e tecnologias digitais, a RRI pode ser adaptada para diferentes contextos e níveis educacionais, na perspectiva de aluno, pesquisador, docente e gestor. [1] Os participantes do curso assinaram Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, antes de cada coleta de dados, dentro da própria plataforma do curso. O anonimato dos participantes foi considerado utilizando-se identificações como “Cursista A”; “Cursista B” e, assim, por diante.

Collective health research assessment: Development of a tool to measure the impact of multi-stakeholder research initiatives

Background The need for measuring the impact of health research more collaboratively and from multi-dimensional perspectives has been acknowledged. As part of a Collective Research Impact Framework (CRIF), a scorecard was developed that will engage stakeholders in measuring the impacts of health research and innovation. The purpose of this study is to describe the developmental process of the MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard and how it can be used as a practical tool for assessing future responsible research and innovation actions collectively. Methods Based on an extensive review of the health research impact literature and multi-stakeholder initiatives, a total of 1,556 impact indicators were collected into a database. The Master Scorecard was then co-created by engaging key stakeholders and conducting semi-structured interviews with experts in the field. Results The MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard consists of five accountability dimensions: the excellence, efficacy, economic, social and patient-reported dimensions. The tool includes 126 potential indicators classified into 52 measurement aspects that are considered the most relevant topics applicable to multi-stakeholder research and innovation initiatives in assessing their impact based on their mission and stakeholders’ interests. The MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard allows the strategic management of multi-stakeholder research initiatives to demonstrate their research impact on people and society. The value of the tool is that it is comprehensive, customizable and easy to use. Conclusions The MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard is an example of how the views of society can be taken into account in assessing research impacts in a more sustainable and balanced way. The engagement of patients and other stakeholders is an integral part of the CRIF, facilitating collaborative decision-making in the design of policies and research agendas. In policy-making, the collective approach allows extending the evaluation perspective to the needs of society and toward responsible research and innovation. Multi-dimensionality fosters research and innovations to be more responsive to systemic challenges and developing more equitable and sustainable health services.