Many researchers and experts in innovation, RRI Horizon 2020 calls for proposals and innovative ideas surely know that nowadays research, development and innovation must be framed in a context directly connected to everyday reality, keeping in mind the preservation of the future. In short, innovation cannot be developed without careful consideration of the impact that it has on the environment and society, a wider perspective can be found in the dedicated thematic portal.

It is an approach widely present in the European framework, in fact the European Union horizon 2020 provides different instruments to encourage RRI in the academic and industrial sectors. In a word, many of Horizon 2020 calls for proposals require Responsible Research and Innovation RRI as the main feature, if not main aim, of the potential projects.

 Responsible research and innovation (RRI) is a multi-actor approach that implies the public engagement of societal actors (researchers, citizens, policy makers, NGOs, business, etc.) which work together over the whole R&I innovation process. The main objective is to promote the design of inclusive and sustainable research and innovation. At the same time, this approach would guarantee that R&I outcomes line up with the values, needs and expectations of society.

In practice, RRI enables easier access to scientific results, the take up of gender and ethics in the R&I process, and formal and informal science education.

In recent years the concept has been used broadly, as a method to verify whether the processes and outputs are acceptable and socially desirable.

RRI Tools, a three-year project (2014-2016) funded by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Program (FP7), has produced a quick guide explaining what responsible research and innovation really means and why it is so important for modern society

 499 SMEs (small-medium enterprises) have been selected so far under the 2018 rounds of the SME instruments. They will receive a total amount of 228,89M€ to develop their projects and get their innovations to the market quicker.

The lion's share of the companies selected come from the information and communication technology ICT, health, and engineering sectors. Most of the SMEs are based in Spain (113), Italy (61), and France (50). 

What is SME Instrument 2018-2020 Phase 1-2?

The EU is advocating for an open science agenda, of which citizen science is an important element. It can involve a vast range of activities. New technological and low-cost instruments are opening up new opportunities for public engagement with research. IT technologies enable citizens to engage in monitoring pollution, collecting data on biodiversity, language studies as well as many other research activities.

Research and Innovation are key drivers of growth and prosperity. The new wave of technology-oriented science will have a deep impact on our economies and, as a result, citizens' daily life.

Many feel concerned with the most advanced scientific and technological breakthroughs. The fast-pace scientific development, especially in computer science and digital technology, is widening asymmetries between individuals with different tools to access and interact with science. Puzzlement and fear are emergent outcomes of this process. 

​Redesigned Pillar structure

It is likely that the familiar three-pillar structure of Horizon 2020 will be confirmed in the next framework programme as well, although with not irrelevant modifications.

In early May, the European Commission defined budget for its new research programme, running between 2021 and 2027. Horizon Europe, this is the chosen name, is the largest investment programme ever achieved. It will replace the current Horizon2020. The name choice reflects on the Commission's decision to design the new framework programme as an evolution of Horizon 2020, with the name of Horizon Europe clearly representing continuity.