Description: The UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) pioneered an RRI policy in 2013, creating a Framework for Responsible Innovation.
This framework, known by the acronym AREA, urges researchers to Anticipate impacts, Reflect on purposes, Engage with stakeholders, and Act accordingly throughout the research lifecycle. As a governance tool, it sets expectations that EPSRC-funded projects include proactive ethical and societal oversight. EPSRC explicitly commits to promote Responsible Innovation and requires applicants and organizations it funds to uphold these principles.
Key Resources: EPSRC’s official Framework for Responsible Innovation document and website are the primary resources. They outline the AREA principles and provide practical guidance (e.g., prompting researchers to consider long-term consequences or to engage the public during projects). The influence of this framework is noted in international RRI literature, as it was one of the first research funder policies on RRI.https://www.forskningsradet.no/siteassets/publikasjoner/framework-responsible-innovation.pdf#:~:text=EPSRC%20is%20committed%20to%20develop,fund%20and%20their%20research%20organisations
How It Helps Researchers: For researchers seeking EPSRC (or similar) funding, the framework offers a clear structure to integrate ORRI governance into proposals and projects. In practice, it helps researchers think through risk and compliance early: for instance, anticipating misuse of a new technology, or consulting end-users in project design. Following AREA can improve proposal quality (addressing “ethical, legal, social implications” is often required) and ultimately leads to more socially robust research outcomes. It also signals institutional support – researchers know that their institution and funder back them in taking time for engagement or ethical deliberation, as these are part of the governance mandate.
