Regional Action Plan to support the governance of Responsible Research & Innovation in the Southern & Eastern Regional Operational Programme 2014 - 2020
Description of the need(s) to be addressed through the policy improvement
Responsible Research & Innovation (RRI) has evolved from the acknowledgement that research needs to address societal as well as science & technological goals. RRI is an expansive and ambitious research model, connecting diverse aspects of the relationship between Research & Innovation and Society through; public engagement, open access, gender equality, science education, ethics, and governance. The wider inclusion and involvement of society is a fundamental principle of RRI. RRI’s ambition is to create a shared understanding between the EC, governments, business and research institutions; as a pre-requisite to building the trust and confidence of the public and other stakeholders, in the safe and effective systems, processes and products of innovation. RRI as an output and outcome aims to generate the ‘right’ solutions, products and services, which benefit people and planet as well as generate profit. There is no refuting that science has changed the world and continues to be a driving force for the progress of humanity. Science and technology have improved quality of life for many of us, but in some cases, innovation has led to controversial or unintended consequences. Some of the world’s greatest catastrophes have been driven by human activity due to lack of consideration for the outcomes. Research & Innovation must be fostered by a code of ethics informed by principles of sustainability and equity. Conducting research responsibly that not only answers questions and solves problems but is also in line with the ethical values and needs of society, must be a primary focus for government.
In practical terms what does the inclusion of RRI principles mean for the S&E ROP?
• SRA through the administration and governance of the S&E ROP will be setting the agenda for the region by providing leadership, direction and resources to researchers and business innovators, and platforms to engage civil society organisations and science educators;
• Integration of RRI principles into current and future RDI co-funded projects that are aligned to the process and outcomes of RTDI policy and S&E ROP priorities;
• Facilitate an increase in the level and quality of research taking place in the S&E region of Ireland by incorporating company engagement with applied research through the co-funded SFI Programmes. SFI are ROP Intermediary Bodies(IB’s) and manage 2 schemes under Priority 1:
i. Research Centres Programme: to develop a set of world-leading large-scale research centres (9 co-funded to date) aligned to S3 priorities;
ii. Associated Spokes Programme: to incorporate new areas of research and establish new industrial & academic collaborations to existing SFI research centres.
Southern Regional Assembly | Regional Action Plan
11
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker