Responsible Research Innovation
Responsible Research Innovation
Responsible Research Innovation refers to the wider impacts of science and innovation
What is Responsible Research Innovation?
The term Responsible Research Innovation (RRI) refers to the wider impacts of science and innovation. Research has the ability to not only produce understanding, knowledge and value, but also unintended:
- Consequences
- Questions
- Ethical dilemmas
- Social transformations
As part of the research and innovation process, researchers should reflect on the potential social, cultural, economic and environmental implications of introducing a new product, service, process or business model to market.
Tools to support researchers
Colleagues may wish to refer to the following when considering discipline specific approaches. Guest speakers from professional bodies, industry and academia can also stimulate conversations around Responsible Research Innovation in different subject areas.
The University has developed a tool to help researchers identify potential RRI considerations in their research. This form can be used to support funding applications, where appropriate.
An online toolkit has been developed to help University colleagues and students understand how to embed the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in research.
- RRI Resources for the Research Community: including tools, inspiring practices and list of EU funded projects.
- Horizons Toolkit: a practical tool developed by Innovate UK to identify the trends, risks and opportunities associated with bringing a product to market.
- Societal Readiness Thinking Tool: offers practical guidance on embedding RRI in research projects. Developed as part of the EU funded NewHORRIzon project.
- Responsible AI UK: an international network aimed at promoting responsible AI research and innovation.
- External training providers such as ORBIT and Skillfluence can provide customised training for PhD student cohorts and research groups.
- Edinburgh University have produced a short training video on Data Ethics, AI and Responsible Innovation.
- University College London (UCL) offer a CPD accredited online short course on Responsible Innovation for Researchers.
- Aachen University have produced a Responsible Innovators of Tommorrow MOOC with a focus on science and technology studies.
Support
Faculty Research Offices provide local support for researchers developing proposals and the management of Doctoral Training Centres at Newcastle University.
The University's EDI team can offer advice on equality, diversity and inclusion matters.
The Engagement and Place Team (staff login required) can also offer advice on public engagement activities.