Designing-by-Debate: A Blueprint for Responsible Data-Driven Research & Innovation

Abstract

The emergence and rapid development of ICT-centred research methodologies, and data-driven research and innovation in particular, fundamentally challenge ethical values, human rights and security in the EU and beyond. This is especially-though not exclusively-the result of fragmented legal, ethical and terminological frameworks; a mismatch between rules and how they are applied or disregarded in practice; the privatisation of research data and methods; the fact that these challenges are spread over multiple actors and disciplines and issues raised by data opportunism. These challenges keep Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) largely hypothetical in many contexts and may lead to social rejection and distorted legislation of emerging research methodologies as well as the huge socio-economic potential they hold. This contribution advances the first blueprint for an innovative approach aimed at overcoming the challenges obstructing the full realisation of RRI. The Designing-by-Debate (DbD) approach provides a systematic model and method for inclusive dialogue through smart stewardship, enabling researchers and the broader stakeholder community to develop, fine-tune and operationalise the framework for RRI to their situation. It is an iterative process based on different forms of participatory debate, aimed at formulating RRI protocols and policies with maximal participation from all stakeholders. The method relies on sharing protocols and guidelines so that they can be used and improved simultaneously through new RRI applications. The DbD approach has different well-defined layers and components, that are aimed at making RRI work in the field. Notwithstanding its greater ambitions, the scope of this contribution is confined to DbD in the context of data-driven research and innovation (and how to align it with ethical, normative, and societal values that are central to the EU identity). DbD, we argue, provides the prerequisites for a holistic yet concrete approach to key legal, ethical and social challenges emerging from ubiquitous use of technology and 'data' to do research and innovation.