Deskribapena

Abstract: The European Commission claims that nanotechnology R&D under "Horizon 2020" will be conducted according to a "Responsible Research and Innovation" (RRI) framework, meaning that "societal actors work together during the whole research and innovation process in order to better align both the process and its outcomes, with the values, needs and expectations of European society" (EC, 2012, "Responsible Research and Innovation – Europe's ability to respond to societal challenges", p. ii). Policy claims on Responsible Nanotechnology Research and Innovation (RNRI) should not be taken for granted though. Rather, they need to be analyzed in the context of the heterogeneous set of economic and political interests, technical capabilities, and socio-cultural factors that frame nanotechnology R&D. In that sense, this workshop aims to study the keys, dynamics and difficulties underlying the application of RNRI policies by tackling the following questions: How is RNRI being understood and applied? Which are the tensions between the different EU institutional bodies concerning the meanings and scope of RNRI? How do issues of social legitimacy and trust relate to RNRI policies and initiatives? Will European research policy be substantially transformed through RNRI?