Introduction

This chapter explores methods and practices for the assessment of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). RRI aims to encourage societal actors to work together during all phases of the research and innovation (R&I) process to better align R&I and its outcomes with the values, needs and expectations of society. Assessing the benefits and costs of RRI is thus crucial for furthering the responsible conduct of science, technology and innovation. Depending on the context and the approach chosen, RRI assessment can take a range of different shapes and be aimed at different objectives. In addition to the academic goal of bringing together scholarly work on RRI assessment, this volume has the more practical objective of helping to guide stakeholders on how they can align their strategies as well as monitor, measure and manage their contribution to responsible innovation. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.