Responsible Innovation

Much is expected from new technological developments, from improvements in the quality of life of individual citizens and society to solutions for global problems such as safety and food supplies. Yet technological development alone will not guarantee the success of technological innovation. A study of the ethical and societal aspects of the innovation concerned should be carried out in parallel to technical-scientific research. This will allow problems related to societal consequences, ethical dilemmas and acceptation to be recognised on time so that the innovation process can be adjusted well in advance. A condition for this is, however, that a thorough exploration is always carried out in interaction and cooperation with the technical scientists.

NWO is therefore working on a new thematic programme: responsible Innovation. The emphasis is on:

• new technologies and
• technological transition processes, such as in Health Care, Energy supplies, Transport and Agriculture.

Research into these questions will be integrated into the technological development process. Therefore the programme will be developed in close cooperation with BSIK and other research programmes. The aim is to realise a consortium between universities, government departments and the private sector. All NWO divisions can contribute to this new thematic programme concerning the ethical and societal aspects of research and innovation.

This programme links up with the foresight studies of COS, the themes of TNO and the GTIs and the strategic agenda of the government departments.