“Responsible Public Engagement at Territorial Level: Core Dimensions and Means for Implementation”

Abstract

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) appeared as a policy concept acknowledged by the European Commission (EC). Over the last decade, RRI and its six keys form the basis for transformational initiatives at national, institutional and territorial levels. Particularly the Public Engagement (PE) key seeks to democratize Science, Technology and Innovation (STI); a key aspect in this democratic restructuring is the meaningful engagement of civil society and interested stakeholders in STI and research processes, and the consideration of their values and concerns. The present paper places the focus on RRI and PE application at territorial level (Territorial RRI framework). Territorial PE initiatives address a common STI-related territorial stake and engage the public through various methods-thus abiding by the public's local ethical codes and standards. By critically examining five PE-related territorial applications in five different territories, this paper aims to draw the attention to the conceptual underpinnings of territorial PE and to its practical application-as indicated by the experiences examined. The concluding arguments indicate some core conceptual traits of territorial RRI and PE. Then, they spell out specific elements contributing to the effective application of territorial PE for integrating public ethics concerns in STI processes and transformational agendas. Similarly, a few limitations, which should not be overlooked during territorial PE implementation, are outlined. The paper's evidence-based and concluding observations can finally provide valuable input for creating a new social (and ethical) contract between science and society, and for mitigating the exclusive dominance of the technocratic elite at territorial agendas.