The loose connection between research and society could make European research unable to address the key development problems, unable to exploit its potential for innovation and competitiveness, and socially isolated. Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is important, because it focuses on the subject of a stronger R&I, and even more relevant with respect to society. The sector of Biosciences is one of the most exposed to the mentioned risk, and therefore one where RRI-oriented actions are needed the most. STARBIOS2 aims to cope with this risk, by promoting the increasing alignment of European research with the needs and values of society, and a greater involvement of stakeholders.
The project has the three following main focuses/objectives.
1) Develop RRI-oriented structural change processes, by designing, implementing and evaluating 6 RRI Action Plans (APs) in research institutions from Europe (in Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, United Kingdom), and developing 3 further APs in non-European entities (in Brazil, South Africa, United States), all active in the field of biosciences. 5 RRI keys are considered: Public Engagement; Gender; Education; Open access; Ethics.
2) Develop a learning process on RRI-oriented structural change, based on implementation of APs. The following issues are considered: resistances and barriers to RRI; key factors favoring or supporting RRI; strategic options and RRI-oriented tools. This learning process is a way for better understanding and capitalizing the main results emerging from the APs for communicating, disseminating the policy of the structural change for RRI and also for scaling up. The outputs of the learning process will result in the development of a set of guidelines on RRI implementation, aimed at providing recommendations on how to deal with resistances to RRI in research institutions.
3) Develop a sustainable model for RRI in biosciences. STARBIOS2 is envisioned as a unique opportunity to strengthen a critical analysis of contents, implications, critical aspects, possible strategies and future perspectives for RRI policies in biosciences. The model would provide the staff and leaders of Biosciences Departments and Divisions with further and better formalized orientations and practical knowledge about the key issues related to the implementation of RRI and how they can be encompassed.