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In this rapidly advancing landscape, responsible innovation emerges as a key framework for comprehending the implications of these technologies on society and steering them towards positive outcomes.
The Director of CSIRO’s Responsible Innovation Future Science Platform noted that a systematic and scientific approach to navigating the ethical challenges stemming from cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, engineering biology, and novel energy solutions is what the platform advocates for.
In a CSIRO Conversation event, a panel of experts from government, university, and global research sectors delved deeper into the multifaceted aspects of responsible innovation. Trust surfaced as a central theme across all sectors. Governments, particularly in the public sector, are keen on establishing guardrails that foster trust, enabling individuals to safely engage with new technologies without stifling innovation.
In the private sector, there is a notable shift in the perception of responsible innovation, especially in corporate Australia post-COVID-19. The Deputy Head of Centre Innovation Systems and Policy at the Austrian Institute of Technology highlighted the growing significance of companies that not only deliver high-performance products and services but also drive socially desirable change.
The competitive advantage now lies in practicing responsible innovation, backed by transparency. Transparency in dealing with the uncertainties surrounding emerging technologies is needed. In the realm of responsible innovation, putting all the risks and opportunities on the table and creating space for dialogue and discussion is deemed crucial, especially in areas with high uncertainties.
Responsible innovation, at its core, aims to empower individuals to understand and shape the impacts of future science and technology positively. This involves engaging with stakeholders, end users, communities, and industries at the outset of the innovation journey to identify and mitigate risks and opportunities.
It is a strategic and collaborative effort that considers the interconnected nature of a globally connected world. Australia, for instance, has committed to responsible development in the field of AI, as reflected in the Bletchley Declaration, where it joins hands with the European Union and 27 other countries in a global commitment. This underscores the importance of long-term planning and international collaboration in managing risks associated with emerging technologies.
Moreover, responsible innovation is seen as an investment that governments and industries make to build and maintain trust. Trust is considered a critical element in realising the vast opportunities presented by technology. By simultaneously considering social impacts, economic prosperity, and national security risks associated with emerging technologies through a national interest lens, governments can signal to researchers, educators, and investors to align their efforts and resources in the same direction.
The National Quantum Strategy in Australia is a testament to this approach, leveraging the country’s leading-edge capabilities in quantum research to chart a course toward a safe, ethical, and trustworthy quantum ecosystem.
Looking ahead, responsible innovation extends its focus to the role of future generations in developing and utilizing emerging science and technology. Universities play a pivotal role in this scenario, as they not only equip students with scientific expertise but also aim to instil a deep understanding of the relevance and impact of their science on the world.
Alistair Gracie, a Professor of Horticulture and Associate Head of Learning and Teaching at the University of Tasmania, stressed the importance of preparing students to think critically about the positive outcomes and potential unintended consequences of science and innovation.
To achieve this, institutions like CSIRO and the University of Tasmania are collaborating to design undergraduate courses specifically centred around responsible innovation. This pioneering initiative aims to empower future scientists and engineers with the necessary tools and skills to evaluate the impacts of science and innovation comprehensively, ensuring a responsible and sustainable approach to the evolving landscape of technology.