Responsible research & Innovation – reducing the distance between science and society
Over the last decade, several attempts have been made to try and reduce the distance between science and society. These have led to the definition of a new approach, which has been called Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).
Responsible Research & Innovation (or RRI) is a cross-cutting approach that aims to make research more inclusive, participatory and ethically responsible.
RRI seeks to openly raise issues associated with research and innovation in order to anticipate the consequences and involve society in the discussion of how science and technology can help create a society we would want for future generations. (source: https://www.rri-tools.eu/).
RRI implies that societal actors (researchers, citizens, policymakers, business, third sector organisations, etc.) work together during the whole research and innovation process in order to better align both the process and its outcomes with the values, needs and expectations of society. In healthcare research particularly, this means to put the expectations of patients and society at the heart of research programs.
Below are the key themes of RRI:
source: https://www.rri-tools.eu/it
MULTI-ACT responds to the following RRI key themes:
- Governance: Innovative governance strategies, methodologies and tools for RRI co-created by engaging R&I multivariate-stakeholders);
- Education and Open Access: open access to guidelines for innovative governance strategies and innovative routes for patient engagement;
- Engagement: the overall MULTI-ACT co-creation approach, involving stakeholders (such as patients and their communities) and the public in the processes of R&I
How will MULTI-ACT achieve it?
- By developing brand new tools and guidelines for the governance, stakeholder engagement and impact assessment.
- By defining a set of indicators to measure the social impact of programmes and all relevant dimensions (mission, excellence, economic, societal, patient perspective).
- By integrating these tools in a handy digital toolbox that will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare research, integrating the patient perspective as a key dimension.
