EU-SPRI Annual Conference 2026

Questioning the contributions of Science and Innovation to Society

Rapid technological change and the spread of radical innovations have heightened the interest in the effects on society of these changes. This departs from the dominant view in the 20th century which considered the results of scientific research and innovation to be, essentially, positive. Research and innovation could produce undesired effects, but such could be identified, bounded, and addressed with specific policy interventions. In the main, however, scientific research and technological innovation were seen as positive forces for society. This view still permeates how policy goals are often framed: higher R&D investments are considered desirable, and academics and politicians will often decry low levels of R&D investment. Increasing R&D investment remains a core guiding principle for many science and technology strategies.

Yet, some of the effects of the model of economic growth that has developed thanks to the diffusion of science-based new technologies have proved to be problematic. Depletion of natural resources, global warming, pollution, social inequalities, and loss of biodiversity are but some of the deleterious effects that, at some point or another, have been traced to the massive deployment of new technologies and the new social habits that have accompanied them. Further, new technologies like Artificial Intelligence have raised existential fears rooted in the possibility that they may take over human decisions and thus autonomously shape future societies.

Concern about such developments is progressively penetrating the formulation and implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policies. A set of interrelated policy strategies and objectives, broadly designated as the “normative turn” in STI policy, are triggering profound changes in science and innovation policies and practices.

This Conference will aim to reflect on these changes, describe their nature, analyse their implications, and discuss examples of changing approaches to research and innovation and their outcomes and impacts. Topics that can be addressed include, but are not limited to the following:

Policy controversies and challenges

The “impact agenda”, directionality in research policy and their implications for research governance
Systemic policy interventions. How are they designed and implemented and what challenges do they pose to current policy institutions.
The challenges posed by equity, inclusivity, responsibility and accessibility considerations
Libertarian critique of science and innovation policies and scepticism about scientific advice
Regulatory controversies on issues like intellectual property rights, health & safety, technology controls, dual-use regulations, etc.

The changing roles of STI actors

Engagement of broader communities in scientific research (citizen science, open science, public-private partnerships) and their implications on scientific priorities, practice, and relevance

The economic, social, ethical and security implications of new technologies

Digital sovereignty and cybersecurity, including the challenges posed to critical infrastructures, and the relationship between security and data privacy.
Technological unemployment and the future of work, including the impact of automation and AI on job markets, and the design of policies to manage workforce transitions and skills development.
The ethical and security implications of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and blockchain technologies.
The implications of biotechnological advancements, personalized medicine, and health data management on public health systems and policies.