Experimentation, learning and dialogue: an RRI-inspired approach to dual-use of concern

Responsible Research and Innovation is promoted by research funders and scientific communities as a way to place societal needs and values at the centre of research and innovation. In practice, however, legal compliance still tends to dominate the RRI agenda. In order to move beyond the dominance of legal compliance and address a broader societal agenda, this article argues that RRI requires: (1) a productive intertwining of research and practice; (2) the integration of anticipation, reflection, engagement, and action (AREA) in a nonlinear process; and (3) an experimental approach. Based on this framework, this article draws on our experience of developing and institutionalizing an RRI-inspired approach to address dual-use and misuse issues in the EU-funded Human Brain Project. Our experience suggests that the four dimensions of the AREA framework work better not as separate stages but rather being flexibly intertwined to enable experimentation, learning, and dialogue.

Automated summary

Responsible Research and Innovation aims to prioritize societal needs and values in research and innovation. However, legal compliance often takes precedence over other aspects. This article argues that RRI should involve the integration of research and practice, the incorporation of anticipation, reflection, engagement, and action in a nonlinear process, and an experimental approach. Drawing on the experience of the Human Brain Project, the article suggests that the elements of the AREA framework work best when flexibly intertwined.