Abstract
Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a science policy concept that gained traction from 2000 onwards in the EU and US, in which alignment on purposes and values between different stakeholders is a key aspect. This thought experiment problematizes this particular notion: ethically acceptable and societally desirable outcomes are not necessarily achieved when alignment is a consequence of early closure. To argue this point, we took the example of the potential development of scanning technology for the detection of paedophilia among job applicants, for which indicators of broad societal support were found in an RRI project on neuroimaging. We analysed this case by looking through several lenses, obtained by structured and non-structured literature searches. We explored how facts and values are masked when a taboo topic is considered. This results in the black boxing of the problem definition, potential solutions and development trajectories. Complex unstructured problems can thus be perceived as manageable structured problems, which can in turn lead to irresponsible policies surrounding technology development. Responsible processes of research and technology development thus require the involvement of a critical reflector who is alert to signs of early closure and who prevents foreclosure of ongoing reflexive deliberation. There is an important role for ethical, legal and societal aspect studies within the framework of RRI. This paper shows that the concepts of “value/fact diversity masking” and “early discursive closure” are new avenues for RRI research.
Highlights
Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a science policy concept that gained traction from 2000 onwards in the EU and US
We argue that the future application of neuroimaging technology for the detection of paedophilia could function as an example of how the masking of value and fact diversity can be induced from the earliest stages onwards, thereby yielding early closure
We found that the development of technologies to prevent child sex abuse between those working in formal care settings and the children placed in their care, is susceptible to the masking of fact and value diversity, resulting in a lack of critical reflection on – or the black boxing3 of – the problematic situation
Summary
Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a science policy concept that gained traction from 2000 onwards in the EU and US. It presumes that alignment on purposes and values between the different stakeholders, such as scientists and the public, is a prerequisite for the responsible development and embedding of emerging technologies. An exchange of ideas among a wider set of stakeholders representing a diversity of perspectives, in early phases of technology development is seen as essential to such an effort (Owen et al 2012). Inclusive deliberation activities are thought to aid in attaining alignment between the diversity of values deemed important by the different stakeholder groups, thereby providing important steps towards legitimate policy choices. Before we delve deeper into the concept of early closure, we first have to take a closer look at what constitutes alignment
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