Rethinking Industry 4.O
RRI as a Compass for the New Era
TAU University's Innovative Approach to Impact Assessment in the HubIT Project
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, where emerging technologies such as AI are becoming integral to our daily lives, the need for a responsible approach to research and innovation (R&I) is more significant than ever. TAU University has been at the forefront of this movement, with the HubIT project being a prime example of its commitment to fostering responsible ICT R&I by integrating social sciences and humanities (SSH) with ICT development.
Understanding Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI)
Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a concept that emphasizes the continuous engagement of societal actors throughout the R&I process to align both the process and outcomes with societal values, needs, and expectations. The European Commission defines RRI as a framework that includes public engagement, gender equality, science education, open access, ethics, and governance.
The HubIT Project's Mission
The HubIT project brings together ICT developers, SSH researchers, and other stakeholders to create a constructive interaction that leads to responsible ICT R&I. One of the main tasks within the project was to assess its impact, ensuring compliance with RRI values and understanding the barriers and incentives for implementing RRI.
Methodology for Impact Assessment
TAU University's methodology for assessing the impact of RRI in the HubIT project leaned on Social Impact Assessment (SIA) methodologies. This approach aimed to identify future consequences of current actions that might affect individuals, organizations, and social macro-systems. The assessment focused on six main RRI indicators: public engagement, gender equality, science education, open access, ethics, and governance.
Tools and Evaluation Process
Dedicated tools such as questionnaires, interviews, and observation guides were developed for the assessment process. The evaluation included both internal and external RRI components, targeting activities within the HubIT project and beyond. Data was collected on three levels: ground-level events and activities, partner-level data, and insights from other Horizon 2020 projects.
Key Findings and Impact
Throughout the project, 34 events were conducted with over 1000 participants and around 400 survey respondents. The results indicated that HubIT activities significantly raised awareness towards an RRI approach and highlighted the importance of considering societal needs in ICT R&I. Ethics emerged as the most crucial dimension, with participants recognizing the need for SSH involvement in ICT projects.
Creating a Framework for Collaboration
The HubIT project successfully created a framework that enables cooperation and dialogue between the ICT and SSH communities through physical and online meetings. Involving various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and NGOs, led to high-impact discussions and the formulation of new RRI policy recommendations.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the HubIT project's outputs could significantly impact the implementation of SSH R&I in ICT. By raising awareness of RRI dimensions, increasing public engagement, and developing interdisciplinary education curricula, TAU University is paving the way for a responsible and innovative future in the realm of ICT.
