Responsible governance in science and technology policy: Reflections from Europe, China and India

• Published in: Technology in society Vol. 42; pp. 81 - 92
• Main Authors: Arnaldi, Simone, Quaglio, GianLuca, Ladikas, Miltos, O'Kane, Hannah, Karapiperis, Theodoros, Srinivas, Krishna Ravi, Zhao, Yandong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2015
• Subjects: China; Cooperation; European Union; India; International relations; Policies; Public policy; Reflection; Responsible governance; Science and technology; Responsible governance; European Union; China; Science and technology; India
• ISSN: 0160-791X; 1879-3274
• DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2015.03.006

This Issues and Opinions Essay provides insights on developments and challenges related to responsible governance in the field of science and technology (S&T) across Europe, China and India. The Essay presents an overview of policy debates and some key public policy documents in these three geopolitical areas, exploring how responsibility is viewed and outlined in the policy domain. Considerations on the range of processes and actors affecting the relationship between science and society in China and India are also presented. Finally, the Essay introduces ‘responsiveness’ as a possible area for comparative research work on responsibility in S&T and relevant policy collaboration amongst the three regions.
•This Essay illustrates the developments and challenges related to responsible S&T governance in Europe, China and India.•Background information on scientific, technologic and economic contexts in the three areas are provided.•The current debate on and institutionalization of Responsible Research and Innovation in the European Union is presented.•Considerations on the debate concerning responsible S&T governance in China and India are introduced.•Responsiveness is presented as a guiding concept for comparing responsible S&T governance in these three settings.