Assessment of science and technologies: Advising for and with responsibility

• Published in: Technology in society Vol. 42; pp. 21 - 27
• Main Authors: Forsberg, Ellen-Marie, Quaglio, GianLuca, O'Kane, Hannah, Karapiperis, Theodoros, Van Woensel, Lieve, Arnaldi, Simone
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2015
• Subjects: Assessment; Assessments; Innovation; Policies; Policy advice; Responsible research and innovation; Technology governance; Policy advice; Responsible research and innovation; Technology governance; Assessment
• ISSN: 0160-791X; 1879-3274
• DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2014.12.004

Responsible governance of science and technologies, in particular through the concept of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), is becoming increasingly important among policy makers and researchers alike. In this Issues and Opinions Essay we show that influential contributions to this field highlight the need to rethink the relationship between science and society, including rethinking the roles and responsibilities of the different actors in the innovation systems. In this Essay we will focus on the function and practices of assessment of science and technologies. With the Essay we would like to open a discussion with academics, assessment practitioners, policy makers and stakeholders about the potential need for reform of current assessment practices and advisory institutions in light of discussions about responsible governance of science and technology in general and RRI in particular. •Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is growing increasingly important.•The responsibilities of actors in the innovation systems needs to be rethought.•Current views on responsibility spur reflection on assessment of technologies.•Minor institutional reform of advisory practices may be needed.•A broad discussion is called for.