Nanoscale-Technologies as Subjects of Responsible Research and Innovation

Excerpt

The term “Responsible Research and Innovation” (RRI) has been central in European research and innovation policy in the current decade although less so in other countries, for example in the USA and Australia. It comprises aims such as established methods of technology reflection, for example technology assessment and practical ethics, among others. However, RRI claims a specificity with respect to dealing with the inevitably disruptive potential of “creative destruction,” which is the essence of innovation in the Schumpeterian sense. The obvious tension between competitive vs. social values of innovation as well as its unwanted or uncertain side-effects gives reason for corresponding responsibility deliberations. Related societal risks and uncertain outcomes of innovation are therefore subjects of attempts to assess and balance opportunities and risks of realizing new options with emerging technologies. Additionally, there are just expectations of the taxpayers for relevant as well as acceptable research and innovation that has been publicly funded; corresponding benefits should thus be in the interest of society. Moreover, responsible conduct of innovation can be also prudent for the actors because public acceptance of new technologies can be seen as a prerequisite for marketable products and services and thus for economic benefits and amortization of investments. In such cases, the impetuses of the sellers and the demand-side might even convergence to some extent. …