Responsible research and innovation in the UK university: the politics of research governance

‘Responsible research and innovation’ (RRI) is a policy tool intended to shape scientific research as a means to achieve public value beyond economic growth. RRI calls for public involvement in the research process, and increased capacity for researchers to respond to public comments and concerns. However, universities offer little guidance on how to put the RRI framework into practice. Sarah Hartley and Warren Pearce outline aspects of RRI that are vital to understanding its future development. These include its various different meanings, the importance of researchers acknowledging their general responsibilities to society and the potential for the emergence of political issues.