Responsible Research and Innovation RRI

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI)

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a governance approach to research and innovation at European level. RRI is reflected in many policy strategies and programming documents, such as the Horizon 2020 (2014-2020) and Horizon Europe (2021-2027) programmes.

Responsible Research and Innovation is a perspective that implies that all societal actors (researchers, innovators, business and industry, policy makers, non-governmental organisations, civil society entities, citizens, etc.) work together throughout the research and innovation process with the aim of aligning both processes and outcomes with society's values, needs and expectations.

RRI encompasses six fields relating to R&In: 

• Ethics
• Gender equality
• Governance
• Open access
• Public engagement
• Science education

Why is Responsible Research and Innovation important?

Policymakers have adopted the concept of RRI by encouraging researchers and innovators to think about the public benefits of applied science and technology research.

Researchers must anticipate and assess the potential consequences and implications of their research, aligning scientific and technical development with the values and needs of European society.

Designing and implementing RRI means: 

• Involve stakeholders and citizens in research and innovation activities from the outset.
   
• Ensure gender equality in the process and content of research.
   
• Respect fundamental rights and Ethical principles.
   
• Increase access to scientific results.
   
• Promote formal and informal scientific culture and education

Responsible Research and Innovation at UMU

UMU is engaged in Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), involving social actors (researchers, citizens, legislators, companies, third sector entities, etc.) working together throughout the research and innovation process in order to better align the process and results with the values, needs and expectations of society.

In practice, UMU works on each of the thematic elements comprising the RRI:

• Open access 
• Gender equality in research and innovation 
• Ethics  
• Public engagement in RRI
• Science Education 

Various activities and training sessions for researchers have been or are being organised: