“Technological progress raises new and profound challenges which we need to address. For example, many fear that because of technology they and their children will lose out on the jobs of the future. But also how we address these profound concerns. So that technology is the force for progress that we all know it can be? Harnessing the power of technology is not just in all our interests – but fundamental to the advance of humanity.” Theresa May, Davos, 25/01/2018.
The increasingly pervasive nature of information and communications technologies (ICT) in all aspects of our lives raises many exciting possibilities and numerous concerns. Responsible Research and Innovation aims to maximise the benefits of technology whilst minimising the risks.
The ORBIT team has partnered with Microsoft to organize a conference to promote Responsible Research and Innovation principles that aim to create a positive ethical and socially desirable future in ICT. The conference will bring together stakeholders involved in ICT research and innovation to explore how the advantages of ICT can be harnessed, while disadvantages can be identified and addressed. The conference will discuss how ICT may be used to create positive futures and promote the public good. Through this conference, ORBIT is hoping to stimulate dialogue and exchange of ideas among prominent scientists, researchers and practitioners.
The conference will host talks by key speakers from both the academic and industry followed by a panel and a poster presentation. ORBIT is now inviting contributions on topics including (but not limited to) the following:
Desirable futures and the role of ICT
Embedding RRI in computer science education
Theory, practice and implementation of RRI in ICT development
RRI and industry
Reflecting on outcomes of research
Public engagement in ICT
The conference is co-organised by ORBIT and Microsoft Research in Cambridge.
ORBIT is the Observatory for Responsible Research and Innovation in ICT. It promotes acceptable and socially desirable research in ICT.
The ORBIT project has been tasked by the EPSRC to embed RRI in the UK. With this in mind, ORBIT offers a range of services aimed at helping researchers to harness their creativity and create outcomes that are aligned with the interests of society.