A study on the implementation of Responsible Research and Innovation and its effects.

In the past years, we have witnessed an increasing attention for Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) concepts that aim to better align research and innovation practices with societal needs. The actors playing a role here are not only businesses and institutes involved in innovation and research, but also citizens, public and semi-public caretakers, NGOs, social entrepreneurs etc. whose needs and desires need to be included in research and innovation practices. Additionally, due to technological developments, the landscape of research and innovation becomes increasingly complex and interconnected. How RRI concepts can be implemented in these complex research and innovation ecosystems and what are the effects in terms of e.g. innovation adoption is currently one of the pressing issues in the field of RRI. Insights are still based on anecdotal evidence and there is no established framework to assess the implementation of RRI concepts. 

The aim of this project is to further strengthen the field of RRI and innovation management by performing a systematic study on how RRI concepts can be implemented in innovation ecosystems and what are the effects in terms of e.g. innovation adoption. To reach that objective it is also needed to study how one can assess the effectiveness of innovation ecosystems in terms of e.g. innovation adoption.

The project is carried out in the context of two related projects funded under the H2020 Swafs (Science with and for Society) scheme. The first project concerns the Pro-Ethics project which has as overall objective the development of a comprehensive, co-developed, tested and widely consulted ethics framework that enables a more effective handling of the ethical dimension of innovation, based on principles that respond to citizens' needs and values, improves access and avoids a technological divide. The second project concerns the Co-Change project which has as overall objective to build transformative capacity and leadership for RRI through systemic change coalitions around change labs. Both projects include various pilot projects and test cases, which provides a rich test ground for empirically testing the framework that will be developed by the PhD candidate.

We are looking for a candidate with an M.Sc. in innovation management or an adjacent field of management, engineering or economics, complemented with a background in or proven affinity with ethics of technology or ethics of innovation.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. Coming to Delft Service organizes diverse events for new international employees and their accompanying partners, like Partner Career Workshops and Dutch Culture Workshops. Located on campus are the International Children’s Centre and an international primary school which are subject to availability as well as several bilingual schools in the nearby surrounding. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.    

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

The Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM) develops robust models and designs, to solve the complex challenges of today’s networked society. TPM combines insights from the engineering sciences with insights from the humanities and the social sciences.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/tpm/