Science and its processes are inherently global and universal, transcending geographical boundaries. However, concepts that have been included within the European framework known as RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation), often are known under another name or are treated separately outside of Europe. To address that, we’ve established a collaborative network encompassing international experts from nine non-European countries. The primary aim of this network is to foster shared knowledge and understanding of RR and RRI-like practices occurring beyond the European context.
As a result of one of these inclusive participatory processes, involving the expertise of these nine international collaborators, we have developed the following recommendations to advocate for responsible research and innovation practices on a global scale:
- Foster global dialogue by connecting European Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) concepts with international principles like open science, and sustainability or using frameworks such as the SDGs.
- Engage stakeholders in the development of region-specific indicators, considering their varying levels of comprehension, and tailor explanations and engagement strategies accordingly.
- Emphasize the importance of contextualizing metrics and data across different levels (regional, national, organizational, or individual), and promote indicators that are attuned to these distinctions.
- Implement proactive data collection, including gap filling, and transparently acknowledge missing data to guarantee the availability of a comprehensive and dependable dataset for evaluation purposes.
- Emphasize the importance of clarifying what indicators encompass and omit, while acknowledging limitations and potential blind spots to avoid neglecting essential facets of responsible research and innovation.
- Promote continuous learning and adaptation in the utilization of indicators, refining them through feedback, experience, and emerging knowledge.
- Use indicators to inform evidence-based policymaking, enabling the development of stable policies supporting responsible research and innovation practices.
- Promote research funding programs that incorporate RRI concepts into evaluation criteria, incentivizing responsible research practices in the community.
- Support the inclusion of RRI concepts in PhD training to equip future researchers with responsible research knowledge and understanding.
By following these recommendations, we can help create a more responsible, ethical, and sustainable approach to research and innovation, ensuring that our efforts to advance knowledge benefit both the current and future generations, as well as the global community as a whole.