Summer School 2021: Responsible Research, Innovation and Transformation in Food, Plant and Energy Sciences: Learning Journey and Reflection

Abstract

Food and energy are the great challenges for modern societies, both producing enough for the growing world population as well as producing and distributing them environmentally friendly, fair and equitable. Their footprint on land, biodiversity, ecosystems, water, soil and their impact on climate is enormous. Establishing food and energy systems that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is of uttermost importance to stay within the planetary boundaries. Our need for energy and has already made us overstep several of the boundaries for example in regard to climate change, biodiversity or nutrient supplies (Rockstroem et al., 2009). Systemic transformation and solutions through innovation and research involving all aspects of our society are key elements in the discussion how the global community could overcome its complex problems, related to environmental, social and economic constraints in a resource-limited world. Innovation conflicts arise when transformation is mainly technological driven and is not taking up the environmental, ethical, legal and social issues of society through expression, participation and deliberation (Felt et al., 2013). Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a current approach to mediating science/ innovation-to-society boundaries through anticipation, reflection, deliberation, inclusion and responsiveness (Horizon, 2020). RRI seeks to move beyond reflection on consequences toward the societal uptake of innovation and technology (Von Schomberg, 2011). Rather than seeking to protect society against unwanted consequences, RRI aims, through the use of technologies, to produce innovations that address societal needs and values and can overcome the emergencies of our unsustainable way of living. How the report is organized? In the first part of the reflective report, explore the five case studies and follow the individual learning journey of the groups. In the second part abstracts of the speakers are summarized.