RRI is extrememly important in all areas of research. Here are some things we should consider:
- Ideas and investigations not motivated by specific and clear end products can have unintended results and unforeseen consequences. Coupled with the high speed of innovation, this can lead to ethical dilemmas for researchers.
- We cannot stifle technology.
- We need to innovate in a way that informs researchers and the wider community about what technological futures are more or less desirable.
- Researchers are often not in control of practical applications of their work once taken up by industry and made into products.
Every new technology raises questions ...
Who benefits?
What are the risks?
What if we are wrong?
What are the alternatives?
Who decides?
Who is in control?
Who is responsible?
We also have to consider ...
