Abstract

How much the excellent science uses web 2.0 tools to encourage public engagement in the research process is analyzed. Understanding participation, from the perspective of responsible research and innovation, not only as the communication of scientific results, but also the involvement of society in scientific development. For the analysis, an ad-hoc questionnaire developed using the Delphi method was designed and validated. The study sample is constituted by Spanish projects financed by the European Research Council in 2015. Among the results obtained, the reduced use of digital applications stands out. In fact, only 23.9% of projects have a website and less than 15% have a social profile. Regarding participation mechanisms, a limited 3% uses web 2.0 to involve citizens. With reference to the characteristics of the communication, it can be concluded that it is unidirectional from the institution responsible for the project to society -97% of the cases- and presents a high level of specialization -in more than 80% of the cases a technical language is used and the messages posted are aimed solely at experts-.

Abstract

The Horizon 2020 framework program requires research projects to incorporate communication plans that cover all activities for the dissemination, communication, and exploitation of results. These must include strategic and specialized measures that identify the diversity of audiences, incorporate mechanisms for dialog with stakeholders, and establish systems for measuring results. This has changed the way in which the dissemination and scientific popularization of the projects are conceived and planned. This research analyzes the perception of Spanish experts in the design and development of competitive research projects regarding which are the most appropriate models and strategies for scientific communication. Through 22 in-depth interviews conducted with specialists from entities, companies, principal researchers, managers, evaluators, and scientific disseminators involved in H2020 projects, two dimensions of project communication are evaluated: the concept of dissemination, and the planning process. The results show that, although the dissemination activity must be carried out from the very beginning of the proposal, as an integral element of the project, the communication is only partially fulfilled, due to the instrumental nature given to it and the lack of complete planning of the actions that goes beyond the administrative fulfilment of what is requested in the calls. However, some progress can be seen thanks to the increasing professionalization of these activities and the integration of communication experts in all phases of the project.

Abstract

Nowadays, the emerging discipline of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) has great acceptance among the scientific community in general. Nevertheless, its presence in social sciences has not reached the development obtained in other disciplines. Studies describing RRI application to areas such as business, and more specifically, corporate communication, are scarce. The objective of this study is to show the possible application of the principles of the emerging RRI discipline to business and corporate communication, as well as the main barriers and benefits that could arise. For this, we provide a documentary review of the existing literature and an analysis of fifteen semi-structured interviews with Spanish experts in RRI. Likewise, the article addresses the relationship between RRI and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As a main conclusion, we observe that RRI has the potential to become the driving force for new forms of governance and communication, but requires changes in corporate philosophy and performance, as it is a bottom-up participatory movement, promoted by the objective of a sustainable society for future generations. In addition, this study represents a contribution to the current discussion regarding the application of the principles and processes of RRI beyond the academic field.

Abstract

Nowadays, the emerging discipline of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) has great acceptance among the scientific community in general. Nevertheless, its presence in social sciences has not reached the development obtained in other disciplines. Studies describing RRI application to areas such as business, and more specifically, corporate communication, are scarce. The objective of this study is to show the possible application of the principles of the emerging RRI discipline to business and corporate communication, as well as the main barriers and benefits that could arise. For this, we provide a documentary review of the existing literature and an analysis of fifteen semi-structured interviews with Spanish experts in RRI. Likewise, the article addresses the relationship between RRI and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As a main conclusion, we observe that RRI has the potential to become the driving force for new forms of governance and communication, but requires changes in corporate philosophy and performance, as it is a bottom-up participatory movement, promoted by the objective of a sustainable society for future generations. In addition, this study represents a contribution to the current discussion regarding the application of the principles and processes of RRI beyond the academic field.