Papers by Ellen-Marie Forsberg
Journal of Responsible Innovation
Wageningen Academic Publishers eBooks, 2012
The food and agriculture sector is experiencing rapid technological development. Some technologic... more The food and agriculture sector is experiencing rapid technological development. Some technological innovations are specific to food production, while other innovations are food related applications of generic emerging technologies, like biotechnology, nanotechnology, synthetic biology, etc. Consumers and the general public in Europe take a more or less cautious attitude towards this development. In order to secure public trust in the food sector there are established risk assessment procedures. Impact assessments may also be carried out, as well as ad hoc technology assessments. Emerging food technologies often involve a diversity of values and may have uncertain effects on both our health and the environment. This complexity indicates that there is a need for systematic and integrated assessments in this field. Integrated assessments have a long tradition in the context of sustainability and in this paper I draw on this discourse in a discussion of the place for integrated assessments in emerging food technologies.
SpringerBriefs in ethics, Aug 15, 2020
In this section, we reflect on our combination of methodologies, the implications of our work for... more In this section, we reflect on our combination of methodologies, the implications of our work for the global governance of STI and the international research system, and for RRI practitioners and those who aim to implement RRI in their organisations. Keywords Methodological pluralism • International research system • Global governance of STI • RRI practitioners
SpringerBriefs in ethics, Aug 15, 2020
In Part II of the book we asked why RRI develops differently in different national contexts. We a... more In Part II of the book we asked why RRI develops differently in different national contexts. We argued that this is because RRI can be regarded as a model of the relation between science and society. As all studied countries have established STI systems, all of them have different imaginaries that cover this relationship, though these are not always fully explicit. National imaginaries have different features for different reasons. They cannot simply be ordered on a linear scale of 'progression' towards RRI (Mejlgaard et al. 2018). RRI promotors have to engage with these imaginaries in order to properly align RRI with them. We have illustrated our claim by studying twelve countries' sociotechnical imaginaries on STI in Chap. 7, using RRI-Practice's national reports as data. In this chapter we compare and abstract from the national sociotechnical imaginaries on STI. While some policy goals and participation models are common across many countries, there are also salient differences with regards to policy goals, framings of the responsibilities of scientists, administrative styles and public participation goals and mechanisms. We sketch salient differences and how they matter for the implementation of the 'RRI model'. Keywords Sociotechnical imaginaries • Responsible research and innovation • STI policy goals • STI framing • Administrative style • Public participation 8.1 STI Policy Goals When looking at STI policy goals, there is a salient difference between policy goals aimed at economic growth and international competitiveness, and non-economic societal goals, such as sustainable development. Though both kinds of goals are intended to ultimately benefit society, they can be in tension, as shown in the reports of Australia (Sehic and Ashworth 2018), China (Zhao et al. 2018), Italy (Neresini and Arnaldi 2018), the Netherlands (van der Molen et al. 2018), the UK (Pansera and Owen 2018) and the US (Doezema and Guston 2018). All these reports identify concerns that an overly dominant focus on economic goals could be at the expense of societal values or, in academia, critical thinking and curiosity-driven research. The US is the most competitive economy in the world (World Economic Forum 2018)
SpringerBriefs in ethics, 2021
use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you g... more use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this book are included in the book's Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the book's Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
SpringerBriefs in ethics, 2017
Human cognitive enhancement (HCE) is a term that signifies applications that are supposed to impr... more Human cognitive enhancement (HCE) is a term that signifies applications that are supposed to improve cognitive capacities, such as attention, memory or reasoning. A polarised debate concerning the ethical issues of enhancement has emerged between the champions and opponents of HCE. Taking both this debate and increased feasibility of some applications of HCE into account, it is clear that that those involved in ethical debate on human cognitive enhancement need to find a middleground between addressing those issues already here or just on the horizon and those issues that tend to be driven by speculation, hype or abstract philosophical concepts. The aim of this book is to make a reasoned argument for a sound ethical framework that might be used by decision makers to ethically assess HCE. We will focus on ethical frameworks for assessment of specific applications (or generic groups of applications) with a clear decision making focus, for instance, related to decisions as to whether or not to buy, market or to allow marketing of such applications. Appropriate frameworks should facilitate ethical decision making in practice, be usable for non-philosophers and related to evidence that can (at least in principle) be produced in the short or medium term.
SpringerBriefs in research and innovation governance, 2018
The transdisciplinary Assisted Living project conducts research within ICT, health science, socia... more The transdisciplinary Assisted Living project conducts research within ICT, health science, social science and ethics. The overall aim of the project is to advance responsible research and innovation (RRI) in the field of welfare technology. By adapting an RRI framework, the project aims to: (a) map how stakeholders and experts perceive the state-of-the-art of responsible welfare technologies, focusing on assisted living technologies (ALT), in Norway and internationally; (b) develop ALT solutions for users with mild cognitive impairment and dementia (MCI/D), through an RRI approach; (c) judge by an integrated HTA approach whether technologies introduced through an RRI process score better than currently implemented technologies; and d) create a wider dialogue on responsible welfare technologies for the future, reflecting on alternatives and options. In the project RRI is operationalized as involving four dimensions: (i) A specific focus on addressing significant societal needs and challenges, (ii) A research and development process that actively engages and responds to a range of stakeholders, (iii) A concerted effort to anticipate potential problems, identify alternatives, and reflect on underlying values, and (iv) A willingness from relevant actors to act and adapt according to 1-3. These dimensions are built into the project's design in different ways. The project, funded by the Research Council of Norway, started December 2015 and we have by now had substantial experience with working with these dimensions in practice. This paper will describe the experiences with including needs assessment, engagement, anticipation, reflection and responsiveness in the project, after 1.5 years operation. The paper will highlight several challenges that The original version of this chapter was revised: For detailed information please see Erratum.
European Countryside, Sep 1, 2016
This paper presents results from a study of Czech Local Action Groups (LAGs), focusing on gaining... more This paper presents results from a study of Czech Local Action Groups (LAGs), focusing on gaining knowledge about their internally perceived legitimacy and their potential role in local adaptation to climate change. Former studies on the role of governance networks in climate change adaptation have suggested that these networks' legitimacy are crucial for their success. In this article we provide an analytical framework that can be used to address different aspects of local governance networks which are important for their legitimacy and the way they are apt as instruments for climate change adaptation actions. We also present a survey among LAG members that provide empirical data that we discuss in the article. The framework and the data are discussed with reference to existing contributions in the intersection of legitimacy, governance networks and climate change adaptation. A specific aim is to provide research based recommendations for further improving LAGs as an adaptation instrument. In addition, knowledge is generated that will be interesting for further studies of similar local governance initiatives in the climate change adaptation context.
SpringerBriefs in ethics, 2017
Science and Engineering Ethics, Dec 1, 2002
During the fall of 2001 (October 22-25), The Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) and ... more During the fall of 2001 (October 22-25), The Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) and the Agricultural University of Norway arranged a consensus conference on the protection of the environment against ionising radiation. The motive for the conference was the need to study the ethical and philosophical basis for protection of nature in its own right. The conference was funded by Nordic Nuclear Safety Research (NKS), in cooperation with the International Union of Radioecology (IUR). The National Committee for Research Ethics in Science and Technology (NENT) was hired as facilitators for the consensus process. This paper will give a brief outline of the aims and method of the conference, distinguishing these from other kinds of consensus conferences. The paper ends with some general reflections on the appropriateness of seeking consensus on ethics-related issues among experts. Background on consensus conferences Consensus conferences have been organised since the 1980s and exist now in different formats in a variety of countries. One of the main origins of the consensus conference format was the American science courts. The idea behind these events was the perceived concern about scientists going out of their role and publicly advocating views on public policy without having a proper scientific foundation for it. In the noise of the media coverage the scientific picture might get lost and the public would form opinions based on one-sided information. The science court was conceived as an arena where the scientists would have to defend their statements in front of the best science
SpringerBriefs in ethics, Aug 15, 2020
In this Chapter, we give an overview of the book and the RRI-Practice study. The book is an analy... more In this Chapter, we give an overview of the book and the RRI-Practice study. The book is an analysis of data collected in the RRI-Practice study. It comprises an organizational analysis and an analysis of national discourses, thus analysing conditions for the uptake of RRI in research funding and research performing organisations in the science system. Keywords Responsible research and innovation • RRI-Practice study • Organisational analysis • Neo-institutional theory • Discourse and practice • Sociotechnical imaginaries • Organisations as embedded
SpringerBriefs in ethics, Aug 15, 2020
In this chapter, we build on and extend the discussion on how we may further the implementation o... more In this chapter, we build on and extend the discussion on how we may further the implementation of Responsible Research and Innovation across types of organizations. We consider first the structure of universities as a driver and barrier for RRI, using Mintzberg's study on the structure of organisations with an emphasis on expert bureaucracies; second, we consider academic culture as a barrier and opportunity for RRI, using Schein's layered model of organizational culture; and third, we discuss isomorphism and the role of funding organisations as a salient environment for research performing organisations, using core insights from neo-institutional theory. Keywords Responsible research and innovation • Organisational structure • Expert bureaucracies • Organisational culture • Organisations as open systems, isomorphism • Neo-institutional theory • Organisational change • Implementation
SpringerBriefs in ethics, Aug 15, 2020
In Part II of the book, we discuss the national discourses and practices researched in the projec... more In Part II of the book, we discuss the national discourses and practices researched in the project. In this chapter, we introduce the topic, the methodology and the theoretical framework used to analyse the data. Because the focus of this research is different from that of Part I-national discourses and practices rather than organisations-we use a different method and analytical framework, namely sociotechnical imaginaries. In Chap. 7, we identify imaginaries of science in each of participating country that we use to explain differences in RRI uptake at a national level. Due to the nature of the project and the data gathered, the focus will be largely on the 'science' part of the science, technology and innovation (STI) system, though we also reflect on the broader STI system, especially where the three elements are strongly linked. In Chap. 8, we discuss the lessons that we draw from comparing the imaginaries. Keywords Sociotechnical imaginaries • Responsible research and innovation • Linear model • Science for society model • Systems of innovation model
use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you g... more use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this book are included in the book's Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the book's Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
SpringerBriefs in ethics, Aug 15, 2020
In this Chapter, we give an overview of national STI imaginaries by country. We provide informati... more In this Chapter, we give an overview of national STI imaginaries by country. We provide information on policy structure and policy culture, and other aspects of national discourses and practices that are relevant to our study. Keywords Sociotechnical imaginaries • Responsible research and innovation • STI policy goals • STI framing • Administrative style • Public participation 7.1 Australia Characteristic of the Australian STI imaginary is that its science and innovation systems are relatively separate. There is the political ambition to move the innovation system towards a 'systems of innovation' model to strengthen the economy, but there is a lack of effective intermediaries, and of incentives for actors in the STI system to collaborate. Particular to this imaginary is attention to the inclusion of marginalised groups to increase their welfare and economic productivity. The STI system seems to be aligned with the 'science for society' model and an accompanying 'deficit model' of science communication. However, it is pushed in the direction of the 'systems of innovation' model by policy-makers intent on increasing publicprivate collaborations, and in the direction of the 'RRI model', because of attention to inclusion of marginalised groups and a realisation of the challenges this offers for non-localised research. These different directions are not necessarily in tension, as inclusion is also considered important in the innovation system. Another characteristic of the Australian STI imaginary is the reason for public distrust in science. While many nations struggle with this phenomenon, the reason given in various national reports is scientific contributions to controversial technologies, such as nuclear energy or GMOs. The Australia report (Sehic and Ashworth 2018) claims that it is rather because of scientific contributions to an economy based on the resource-intensive sectors of industrial agriculture and mineral extraction, in a country characterised by water scarcity and fragile ecosystems. Here, it is thus not so much the technologies themselves, but the fit of the technologies with the local environment that generates controversy. The history of this imaginary seems to be similar to that of many Western countries: after the Second World War, spurred on
SpringerBriefs in ethics, Aug 15, 2020
In this Chapter, we give an overview of drivers furthering the implementation of RRI. We analyse ... more In this Chapter, we give an overview of drivers furthering the implementation of RRI. We analyse drivers as structural, cultural and interchange related, using a framework derived from neo-institutional theory. We include a discussion based on types of organisation (such as research funding versus performing organisation) and we provide overall reflections the role of on drivers in implementing RRI. Keywords Drivers for RRI • Responsible research and innovation • Structural drivers, cultural drivers, interchange drivers • Implementation • Neo-institutional theory Organisational drivers are those that support the uptake of RRI in organisations and that alert organisational members to the merits of RRI. Each country report was set up to discuss drivers for RRI under the five keys and the four process dimensions. In this chapter we discuss the structural, cultural and interchange drivers, focusing on the following questions: 1. What are the drivers across the RRI keys and dimensions? 2. What is the interplay between drivers that are structural, cultural and interchange related? 3. How do drivers relate to research funding and research performing organisations respectively, and what are the differences? 4. How do drivers relate to small and large organisations? 5. How do drivers relate to different fields of research and funding? 6. How do drivers and barriers relate to groupings of countries? 7. From an organisational perspective, does use of RRI as a phrase make a difference, and how?
Journal of Responsible Innovation, Jan 2, 2016
, +47-40853972 Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a currently important proposal for do... more , +47-40853972 Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a currently important proposal for doing science and innovation with and for society. Sustainability has for the last 30 years had a similar function in providing limits and direction for societal activities, including science and innovation. In this discussion paper, we ask what RRI can learn from sustainability and how RRI and sustainability can strengthen each other, focusing especially on social sustainability. We suggest that the social life cycle approach of the United Nations Environmental Programme and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry may address the product aspect of RRI, provide resources for governance in the face of the problem of anticipation, facilitate a useful value-chain approach and offer several other benefits in an RRI perspective. Conversely, we show that RRI can complement sustainability models by more specifically addressing the responsibilities of the different actors involved in the research, innovation and marketing process.
SpringerBriefs in ethics, 2017
In the previous section, we have seen that there are several ethical frameworks that can be used ... more In the previous section, we have seen that there are several ethical frameworks that can be used to assess HCE applications and in Chap. 3 we reviewed the general ethical issues raised by HCE applications. We are now in a position to discuss which of the six above mentioned frameworks seem to fit best for assessing HCE applications.
SpringerBriefs in ethics, 2017
Ethically sensitive decision making is needed both with regard to general policies on human enhan... more Ethically sensitive decision making is needed both with regard to general policies on human enhancement and with regard to specific enhancement applications. Science, technology and innovation policies may, on the one hand, be developed to support or steer HE technology trajectories in certain directions. This requires societal deliberation regarding the kind of innovation we, as a society, want to encourage. As we argue in Chap. 1, there is, on the other hand, also a need for ethical assessment of specific applications. This kind of ethical assessment will often have a regulatory or decision-making focus. This is the decision making level targeted in this book, where no framework yet has been proposed in the field of HE.
SpringerBriefs in ethics, 2017
In the mapping of ethical issues regarding human cognitive enhancement, we used a two-tiered appr... more In the mapping of ethical issues regarding human cognitive enhancement, we used a two-tiered approach in which we first carried out a systematic search, followed by the addition of references found in the literature identified in this search. We will here first present the two applications (or rather, areas of applications) that we focused on in our literature search. Then we will go through the main ethical issues that we identified in the search.
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Papers by Ellen-Marie Forsberg