Responsible Innovation and Climate Engineering. A Step Back to Technology Assessment

Area of Science:

• Science and Technology Studies (STS)
• Technology Assessment (TA)
• Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI)

Background:

• The participatory turn in RRI influences the evaluation of Climate Engineering (CE) options.
• The SPICE project exemplifies the integration of RRI principles in CE research.
• Democratization of science and innovation raises concerns for CE normative evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address concerns regarding the extent of public and social actor involvement in CE technology innovation.
• To explore principal concerns with participatory RRI approaches in the context of CE.
• To propose an alternative evaluative framework for CE technologies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the SPICE project as a case study.
• Examination of the participatory turn in TA and STS communities.
• Review of ethical impact analysis approaches.

Main Results:

• The extent of public involvement in CE innovation remains unclear.
• Specific features of CE technologies and RRI approaches raise concerns about broad participation.
• Expert TA and ethical impact analysis offer a viable alternative to full democratization.

Conclusions:

• Reconsideration of the emphasis on participation and democratization in CE research and innovation is necessary.
• Expert-led TA, evolving ethical impact analysis, provides a robust framework for CE evaluation.
• Societal and ethical issues in CE must be addressed, but through a refined evaluative lens.