The EPSRC's policy of responsible innovation from a trading zones perspective

Murphy, J., Parry, S. and Walls, J. (2016) The EPSRC's policy of responsible innovation from a trading zones perspective. Minerva, 54(2), pp. 151-174. (doi: 10.1007/s11024-016-9294-9)

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Abstract

Responsible innovation (RI) is gathering momentum as an academic and policy debate linking science and society. Advocates of RI in research policy argue that scientific research should be opened up at an early stage so that many actors and issues can steer innovation trajectories. If this is done, they suggest, new technologies will be more responsible in different ways, better aligned with what society wants, and mistakes of the past will be avoided. This paper analyses the dynamics of RI in policy and practice and makes recommendations for future development. More specifically, we draw on the theory of ‘trading zones’ developed by Peter Galison and use it to analyse two related processes: (i) the development and inclusion of RI in research policy at the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); (ii) the implementation of RI in relation to the Stratospheric Particle Injection for Climate Engineering (SPICE) project. Our analysis reveals an RI trading zone comprised of three quasi-autonomous traditions of the research domain – applied science, social science and research policy. It also shows how language and expertise are linking and coordinating these traditions in ways shaped by local conditions and the wider context of research. Building on such insights, we argue that a sensible goal for RI policy and practice at this stage is better local coordination of those involved and we suggest ways how this might be achieved.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Murphy, Professor Joseph and Walls, Dr John
Authors: Murphy, J., Parry, S., and Walls, J.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
Journal Name:Minerva
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0026-4695
ISSN (Online):1573-1871
Published Online:23 March 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Minerva 54(2): 151-174
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
617211ESRC Sustainable Practices Research Group: Engagement, Interaction and InfluenceJoseph MurphyEconomic & Social Research Council (ESRC)RES-597-25-0003IS - INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
621352Synthetic Biology applications to Water Supply and RemediationSteven BeaumontEngineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/K038885/1VICE PRINCIPAL RESEARCH & ENTERPRISE