Responsible innovation: a pilot study with the U.K. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Societal Impact Assessment

Background:

• Anticipatory governance is crucial for emerging technologies like nanotechnologies.
• Addressing the gap between technological development, impact understanding, and regulation is a persistent challenge.
• Responsible innovation requires pragmatic implementation of adaptive strategies in democratic societies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of risk registers for identifying wider impacts of nanoscience research.
• To assess the effectiveness of anticipatory approaches in managing risks associated with new technologies.
• To explore how multidisciplinary expertise can support real-time technology assessment and responsible innovation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of risk registers submitted by applicants to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for nanoscience research.
• Focus on research proposals related to carbon capture and utilization.
• Inclusion of case studies where multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement were utilized.

Main Results:

• Risk registers primarily identified immediate health risks for researchers during nanoparticle synthesis and handling.
• Few wider environmental impacts and no future societal impacts were identified, reflecting innovation's inherent uncertainty.
• Some proposals integrated diverse expertise (e.g., life cycle assessment, public engagement) to enable real-time modulation of research trajectories.

Conclusions:

• Current risk assessment practices for emerging technologies often overlook long-term societal and environmental implications.
• Integrating multidisciplinary expertise and stakeholder engagement is vital for fostering responsible innovation.
• A commitment to responsible science and innovation, coupled with continuous reflexivity, can guide technological development proactively.