For actors who are interested in this project or want to implement a similar RRI framework for scientific research and technological development processes, Fraunhofer and TNO have put together a list of tips that should be noted.
Consider the level of institutionalisation and,
if necessary, adapt the approach in the goal development process. Not all RRI
key dimensions have equal levels of institutionalisation which might result in
a different reaction and way of understanding by the participants.
Here the question should not be whether or
whether not to include external stakeholders, but rather at which moment, to
what content and in which context of the goal development process. External
stakeholders can push the organisation out of daily routines and their comfort
zone. A recommended approach is to design specific separate sessions for
internal and external stakeholders and to create spaces for joint
deliberations.
Involving change agents early
in the process can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it enables
management buy-in and sustainability increases the potential impact. On the
other hand, it might be difficult to mobilise high-level internal stakeholder
and a strong hierarchical difference among the participants may inhibit the
free voicing of ideas. To overcome this, it is recommended to include anonymous
elements into the deliberation process such as e.g. televoting and to interact
with high ranking participants in advance to the process.
To
create an open and constructive atmosphere it is necessary to find the balance
of attitudes regarding a particular topic. Otherwise, group thinking might occur,
and critical thinking will be suppressed. Practically this can be done by
providing not only tables for results of consent but also for dissent
It
is important to re-translate and to ground far-reaching visions into concrete
long-term goals. Fraunhofer and TNO did this by creating so-called Smart Goals
/ Long term organisational goals. Both
approaches help to freeze the ambition level und surround it with relevant
boundary conditions.
While
setting up organisational goals/ Smart Goals it is recommended to become aware
of re-structural processes, activities or initiatives that are already taking
place within the organization. Such windows of opportunity can provide a
foundation RRI transition processes and benefit from possible synergy effects.
Some
RRI key dimensions might be more heterogeneous than they appear on the first
right. This becomes particularly clear through a comparison with available
windows of opportunity. A recommended solution is to separate the aspects and
tackle them with different stakeholder configurations.
As
in the nature of large research organisations, key dimensions will be handled
differently depending on the organisational unit. Hence it is important to find the right
balance between specificity and generality of perspectives.
The
expectations of stakeholders can and will differ along with the Project.
Undoubtedly, communication is the key to keep everyone on the same page. Well
defined communication lines are essential.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 709747.