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Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the Societal Readiness (SR) Thinking Tool to aid researchers and innovators in developing research projects with greater responsiveness to societal values, needs, and expectations. The need for societally-focused approaches to research and innovation—complementary to Technology Readiness (TR) frameworks—is presented. Insights from responsible research and innovation (RRI) concepts and practice, organized across critical stages of project-life cycles are discussed with reference to the development of the SR Thinking Tool. The tool is designed to complement not only shortfalls in TR approaches, but also improve upon other efforts to integrate RRI, sustainability, and design thinking in research and innovation cycles. Operationalization and early-stage user tests of the Tool are reported, along with discussion of potential future iterations and applications.
Highlights
Scientific and technological research and innovation seem bound in a challenge of advancing human achievements on and beyond Earth, without succumbing to unintended, undesirable consequences for all forms of life on the planet (Merton, 1936)
Linear approaches like the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system (Mankins, 1995), contribute to a drumbeat of technology development for impact with limited consideration of institutional or societal “readiness” (Webster & Gardner, 2019a, 2019b)
Research and innovation policy bodies) and the more input-focused policy approach (Owen & Pansera, 2019; Pellé & Reber, 2015)
Summary
Scientific and technological research and innovation seem bound in a challenge of advancing human achievements on and beyond Earth, without succumbing to unintended, undesirable consequences for all forms of life on the planet (Merton, 1936). Linear approaches like the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system (Mankins, 1995), contribute to a drumbeat of technology development for impact with limited consideration of institutional or societal “readiness” (Webster & Gardner, 2019a, 2019b). The concept of responsible research and innovation (RRI) has been intentionally cultivated across Europe and beyond to develop greater responsiveness of research and innovation (R&I) to societal values and ethical concerns (von Schomberg, 2011). Means of supporting RRI adoption, while diverse, are often limited to singular dimensions, disconnected from, or unintegrated across R&I processes and practices (Schuijff & Dijkstra, 2020; Shelley-Egan et al, 2018)
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