Responsible Innovation

Transcription

Responsible
Innovation
Maatschappelijk Verantwoord Innoveren
Project summaries
Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research
Introduction
3
Ethical and societal aspects
of concrete technological developments
Theme: Medical and biomedical research
–– Responsible early diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease
5
Theme: The healthcare sector on the move
–– What about DORA?
8
–– Implementation of the electronic patient record: How to gain the trust of
health care professionals?
11
–– Telecare at home: Anticipating conflicting norms in telemonitoring
technologies for chronic patients
14
–– Optimisation of complex palliative care at home by making use of expert
consultation via telemedicine
16
Theme: Virtual reality
–– Empowering and protecting children and adolescents against cyberbullying
19
Theme: The observation society
–– Surveillance in urban nightscapes
22
–– Data mining without discrimination
25
Theme: Neurotechnology
–– Towards an appropriate societal embedding of neuroimaging
28
Theme: Defence, security & military technology
–– Moral fitness of military personnel in a networked operational environment
31
Ethical and societal background questions
Theme: Values, conflicts in values & culture
–– Persuasive technology, allocation of control, and social values
35
–– Responsible innovation in food technology: about the intricate web of soft impacts,
(ir)responsibilities, and mutual lack of trust
38
Theme: Governance
–– Biosecurity and dual use research
41
–– New modes of governing pharmacovigilance
44
Theme: Internationalisation & equity
–– Technology & human development – a capability approach
47
–– New economic dynamics in small producers’ clusters in northern Vietnam 50
Final Editing
Jasper Roodenburg
Design
www.nieuw-eken.nl
Lay-out
Jenny van Bremen-Boom
Published by
Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
Humanities Division
P.O. Box 93460
2509 AL The Hague
The Netherlands
Telephone +31 (0)70 3440 806
Fax +31 (0)70 3440 861
E-mail mvi@nwo.nl
Website www.nwo.nl/responsible-innovation
The Hague, January 2010
The MVI thematic programme is an alliance between:
–– the NWO divisions for Humanities and Social Sciences,
WOTRO Science for Global Development, Technology
Foundation STW and ZonMw
–– the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations
–– the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
–– the Ministry of Defence
–– the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality
–– the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
–– the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
Responsible Innovation – Maatschappelijk Verantwoord Innoveren
Introduction
Backgrounds and considerations
Expanding and renewing
The great societal potential of research and innovation
Exploring ethical and societal aspects of technological
is becoming more and more apparent. Tapping into
development goes back several decades. For example, those
that potential can improve the quality of society and of
aspects have been studied and debated as part of various
people’s lives. When it comes to solving global problems
forms of technology and impact assessments. Ethical aspects
in food supplies, health, safety, housing and transport,
have also been mapped out and analysed. The thematic
and to promoting sustainable economic development in
programme Responsible Innovation (abbreviated to ‘MVI’,
general, people have great expectations from technology
from the Dutch Maatschappelijk Verantwoord Innoveren)
and science. As such, this issue is high on political and
expands on the knowledge gained during those lines of
societal agendas around the world. In the Netherlands,
research. At the same time, however, it places a strong
the government hopes to give a fresh impulse to research,
focus on the recent development that has become apparent
innovation and the application of their results. However,
in various places in this type of research: more proactive,
the government also faces an important challenge in
with closer ties between the humanities, social sciences
ensuring that that impulse is firmly embedded in society.
and science subjects, integrated into the technological
Questions about such issues as safety, health, privacy,
development process, aimed at valorisation,
responsibility and research direction in areas like genetics,
and with an emphatically international quality.
nanotechnology, nuclear energy and the Internet
demand serious attention. Considering the solutions
Objective and definition
that technological and scientific know-how is capable
The thematic programme MVI focuses on issues concerning
offering for societal issues and problems, it is important to
technological developments for which it is reasonable to
examine their ethical and societal aspects. This will result in
suspect that they will have a dramatic impact (whether
improved innovation projects and the best possible use of
positive or negative) on people and/or society. On the one
the opportunities that appear. Opportunities will certainly
hand, those developments concern new technologies (such
be missed, or not used properly, if people fail to understand
as ICT, nanotechnology, biotechnology and neural sciences),
or reflect upon those aspects. At the same time,
and on the other, technological systems in transition (for
failure to examine ethical and societal issues may cause
example agriculture and healthcare).
serious harm to people’s faith in science.
The programme contributes to responsible innovation by
increasing the scope and depth of research into societal
and ethical aspects of science and technology. It focuses on
proactive research into the ethical and societal aspects of
Responsible Innovation – 4 – Maatschappelijk Verantwoord Innoveren
Converging technologies: Neuro, nano, bio, ICT
Ethical and societal
Ethical and societal aspects of
background questions:
•Uncertainty about
opportunities and risks
•Values, conflicts
in values & culture
concrete technological developments:
•Medical and biomedical research
•The healthcare sector on the move
•Animals, nature & natural habitat
•Virtual reality
•Governance
•The observation society
•Internationalisation & equity
•Neurotechnology
•The formable human
•Defence, security & military technology
•Functional foods
System transitions: agriculture, healthcare etc.
technological development projects, and explicitly draws
attention to the international perspective.
The programme emphatically involves not only Dutch
innovation projects, but also innovation projects in other
countries or parts of the world, and in particular in
developing countries. Intensive collaboration between
researchers in the humanities, sciences and social sciences
is one of the principal cornerstones of the programme.
A strong emphasis is also places on valorisation of the
research.
Programme framework
Research into the ethical and societal aspects of concrete
technological developments is incorporated into
innovation projects and combined with research into more
general issues. The research agenda has been defined in
consultation with the ministries participating.
Partnership
The theme of ‘Responsible Innovation’ (abbreviated to
MVI) is one of NWO’s thirteen themes. These themes are
multidisciplinary research programmes covering current
issues in both scientifically and societally relevant.
Medical and biomedical research
Introduction
Responsible early
diagnostics for
Alzheimer’s disease
LON G
TER M
SHORT
Dr. M. (Marianne) Boenink
Problem definition
University of Twente, Department of Philosophy
How to ensure that innovation of diagnostics for
TER M
Alzheimer’s Disease results in a socially and ethically
responsible diagnostic practice of AD?
Project team members
–– Dr. Harro van Lente, Innovation Studies Group,
University of Utrecht
–– Dr. Ellen Moors, Innovation Studies Group,
–– Drs. Anna Laura van der Laan, Department of Philosophy,
University of Twente
–– Drs. Yvonne Cuijpers, Innovation Studies Group,
Approach
–– Identifying uncertainties in current practices concerning AD
–– Identifying promises and uncertainties in development of
novel diagnostic tools
–– Engaging stakeholders to debate ways to deal with these
uncertainties
Aim
Valorisation panel
–– Leiden Alzheimer Research Nederland (LeARN)
–– Centre for Translational Molecular Medicine (CTMM)
–– Alzheimer Nederland
–– Ministerie van VWS
–– Nederlandse Vereniging van Neurologen
–– Geheugenpoli UMC & VU
–– CBO/Kwaliteitsinstituut voor de gezondheidszorg
–– Huisartsenpraktijk
–– NHG School voor Geriatrie
–– Philips Research
–– Schering Plough
–– To contribute to the design of a responsible diagnostic
practice for AD
–– To develop a model for responsible innovation of diagnostic
technology
Normaal
Ziekte van Alzheimer
Dementia in general and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in
process is limited. In contrast, we have identified three
particular are imposing an increasing burden on aging
preliminary criteria for responsible innovation:
societies. The Dutch Leiden Alzheimer Research Netherlands
(i) All uncertainties regarding potential effects of the
project (LeARN, a public-private partnership funded by the
projected innovation should be identified,
Centre for Translational Molecular Medicine) is currently
(ii) These uncertainties should be addressed by taking into
developing novel diagnostic technologies for AD.
account the interests and values of relevant stakeholders
These include PET and MRI scans and tests of cerebrospinal
during the development and design process,
fluid. All use molecular biomarkers thought to indicate early
(iii) Procedures for deliberating and decision-making should
stages of AD. If the novel diagnostic tools are developed
ensure that all relevant considerations can be put forward
successfully, they may advance AD diagnosis and improve
and are taken seriously.
its reliability, and thus may reduce uncertainty in people
suffering from cognitive dysfunctions.
Objectives
Based on the above, we have formulated the following aims
However, these innovations also raise new uncertainties.
for our project:
How useful will the novel tools be in clinical practice?
1.To contribute to a responsible diagnostic practice for AD, by:
How will potential users respond? How might existing
–– identifying the uncertainties in current (medical and non-
practices of care for AD be transformed? And how desirable
is early diagnostics for AD, especially when effective
therapies are lacking?
medical) practices dealing with AD;
–– identifying the uncertainties in developing new diagnostic
technologies for AD;
–– engaging stakeholders in deliberation and decision-making
Problem definition
on the social acceptability and moral desirability of existing
How does one ensure that innovation in diagnostics for
and alternative ways of reducing these uncertainties.
Alzheimer’s Disease results in a socially- and ethicallyresponsible diagnostic practice of AD?
2.To develop a model for responsible innovation of
Approach
–– defining the existing ways of dealing with uncertainties and
diagnostic technology in general, by:
Our project starts from the observation that developing
novel biomedical technologies usually focuses on reducing
scientific, clinical and sometimes economic uncertainties.
Moreover, the number of stakeholders engaged in the R&D
possible alternatives;
–– designing strategies to deal responsibly with uncertainty in
developing novel diagnostics.
Subprojects
influenced by one’s social and cultural environment. The
The project is divided into four subprojects, all of which
project will investigate how both medical and public
focus on identifying and reducing uncertainties. All projects
conceptions of AD might be transformed by developing
have an empirical as well as a normative component.
novel molecular diagnostic tools.
One PhD student will study the uncertainties involved
The final subproject aims to design responsible practice
in translating scientific insights into clinically-useful
of innovation in diagnostics in general. It will focus in
knowledge. This project will explicate the criteria and
particular on the role of stakeholder engagement and
procedures of reducing uncertainty implied by research
concerted stakeholder interaction in cases of emerging
practices in LeARN and open them up for broader debate
diagnostic technologies. The experiences gained in the
by stakeholders in the Netherlands as well as the UK.
case study on the LeARN project will be used to answer
It will assess the acceptability of the current ways of
the question as to who should be involved when and how
reducing uncertainty to these stakeholders and propose
during the development of emerging technologies to
ways to enhance the social and moral desirability of
ensure that innovation proceeds in a responsible manner.
translational research.
Societal relevance
A second PhD student will address the social and cultural
Innovation of diagnostics for Alzheimer’s Disease may
uncertainties of innovating AD diagnostics. He or she will
be beneficial when it succeeds in reducing anxiety and
do so by engaging Dutch as well as American stakeholders
improving quality of life. However, it may also have
(i.e. patients, caregivers, medical professionals, government
unforeseen and/or undesirable side effects, such as
representative, insurance companies, pharmaceutical
increasing anxiety or reducing attention for informal care.
companies) in deliberation on the desirability of the future
This project investigates the conditions for enhancing
of AD diagnostics envisioned in the LeARN project. This will
desirable and preventing undesirable effects of innovation
result in suggestions for designing responsible diagnostic
in AD diagnostics as well as diagnostics in general. This
practices for AD.
in turn will reduce the risk of future social and moral
controversy and/or low uptake of new diagnostics.
A third subproject starts from the observation that the
meaning of ‘Alzheimer’s Disease’ is only defined partially
in the medical domain. The experience and implications
of aging and cognitive decline, for example, are also
The healthcare sector on the move
Introduction
LON G
What about DORA?
SHORT
TER M
TER M
Dr. J.J. (John) van den Dobbelsteen
Problem definition
Delft University of Technology
Video recordings of operative procedures can be a
powerful tool to establish a safe OR environment. However,
medicolegal concerns have prevented video capture from
being part of the OR routine
–– Joep Hubben (UMCG)
–– Claire Blaauw (UMCG)
–– Kirsten Henken (TU Delft)
Approach
–– Frank Willem Jansen (LUMC)
The project investigates the juridical aspects of OR video
–– Laurents Stassen (MUMC)
recordings and how technology can aid in preventing
–– Jeroen Meijerink (VUMC)
judicial use
–– Johan Lange (Erasmus MC)
–– Jan Klein (Erasmus MC)
–– Jenny Dankelman (TU Delft)
Aim
The implementation of rules in the healthcare law that set
limits to the events that will be recorded and to the uses of
Valorisation panel
–– Delft University of Technology
–– University Medical Center Groningen
–– Leiden University Medical Center
–– Maastricht University Medical Centre
–– Erasmus MC
–– Academic Medical Center Amsterdam
–– Ministry of Health
–– Noldus BV
the recordings
Background
Problem definition
Reducing the likelihood of medical errors is critical to
Improving patient safety requires reliable and objective
patients and essential for improving public health. In a
systems to monitor processes and equipment in the
landmark report, the Institute of Medicine (Kohn et al.
operating room to prevent adverse events. DORA can
1999) estimated that, in the United States, 44,000 to 98,000
be a powerful tool to establish a safe and efficient OR
deaths are attributable to medical errors each year. This
environment through video monitoring. However, issues
figure translates to 3,000 to 6,000 deaths per year in the
associated with ethics and legal concerns have made
Netherlands.
hospitals and OR personnel reluctant to allow systematic
The majority of these errors occur in the operating room
video recording. To assure OR personnel that the recordings
(OR) and twenty percent of all incidents are caused by
will not be used for punitive purposes, it is essential that
technical problems and deviations from standard protocols
policies are developed to regulate authorised access to
during surgical procedures (NIVEL rapport 2008). System-
recorded images.
wide improvements are needed to prevent these events
from happening, including the establishment of a quality
Research objective
system that ensures that protocols are followed strictly.
The aim of this short-term project is to develop a protocol
that sets limits to the events that DORA records and to the
High-reliability industries such as aviation have
use of the recordings. The protocol will ensure that the
demonstrated that automated monitoring systems (e.g.
development of DORA adheres to hospital policies and
autopilot) can improve safety objectively. Presumably, an
lawful demands. It will guide the creation of a formal policy
automated monitoring system that informs OR personnel
for the use of video capture in the operating room and
about irregularities during procedures can improve safety
thereby enable optimal use of DORA and its recordings.
in the OR environment. Video capture would enable
automated event recording and pattern recognition in
video frames enables the registration of the position and
status of instruments and equipment and the identification
of specific events (e.g. steps taken in a procedure). The
results of such a pattern analysis can provide the input for
a Digital Operating Room Assistant (DORA) that alerts OR
personnel when adverse events are likely to occur.
Responsible Innovation –10– Maatschappelijk Verantwoord Innoveren
Research approach
In the second phase of the project, we will conduct research
A major part of the work involves determining the various
into the possibilities of discarding those parts of the
purposes for which DORA’s recordings may be used and
recordings that were identified as controversial and are
specifying which type of information should be discarded
not essential for DORA’s primary functions. Image analysis
to prevent abuse. The requirements for the video input for
techniques will be evaluated to determine whether stored
a monitoring system for the OR should be specified in the
images can be blocked automatically or whether this
context of improving patient safety. To outline the potential
demands specific elements of the recordings to be marked
judicial use of the recordings, research will be needed into
and indexing for limited access for authorised personnel.
the legal aspects concerning privacy issues and medical
This part of the project will result in a formal specification
responsibility. This research involves literature studies of
of the requirements of video-based quality systems
medical law and interviews with OR personnel, institutional
with respect to legal and ethical demands. The protocol
boards, insurance companies and researchers. The results
developed will serve as a guide for implementing video-
of these studies will show to what extent the possibilities
based quality systems and will enhance OR personnel’s
of video registration and data storage from DORA are in
commitment to adopt this new approach to improve
conflict with the current views of parties involved in the
patient safety.
healthcare process and safety issues in the operating room.
Introduction
LON G
Implementation of the
electronic patient record:
How to gain the trust of
health care professionals?
TER M
SHORT
TER M
Prof. dr. J.K.M. (Sjef) Gevers
Problem definition
University of Amsterdam/AMC, Dpt. Social Medicine,
The national electronic patient record (EPR) is currently
Health Law Section
being implemented. Some health care providers show
reluctance to accept this system
–– Dr. A. Abu-Hanna, University of Amsterdam /AMC,
Dpt. Medical Informatics
–– Prof. dr. R.D. Friele, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health
Services Research, Utrecht & Tilburg University, Faculty of
Approach
Health care providers’ trust in the national EPR and factors
influencing this trust will be studied from legal and
empirical perspectives
Social and Behavioural Sciences
–– Prof. dr. ir. A. Hasman, University of Amsterdam /AMC,
Dpt. Medical Informatics
–– Mr. dr. M.C. Ploem, University of Amsterdam/AMC,
Dpt. Social Medicine, Health Law Section
–– Dr. R.A. Verheij, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health
Services Research, Utrecht
–– Dr. M. Zwaanswijk, NIVEL, Netherlands Institute of Health
Services Research, Utrecht
Valorisation panel
–– Dutch Ministry of Health (VWS)
–– Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG)
–– Alliance for hereditary diseases (VSOP)
–– Twynstra Gudde
–– National IT Institute for Healthcare in the Netherlands
(NICTIZ)
–– National Institute for Public Health and the Environment
(RIVM)
Aim
The project will result in recommendations about
(additional) regulatory, technical or organisational measures
that can be used to promote health care providers’ trust
in the national EPR, which will contribute to a successful
implementation
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Problem definition
Study objective
The Dutch government is currently implementing the
This short-term project will focus on healthcare providers’
national electronic patient record (EPR) for the entire
trust in the national EPR and factors that influence this
healthcare sector. The national EPR is an information
trust. The project will investigate three aspects of the
exchange system through which medical data stored in
national EPR that are essential for health care providers’
electronic patient records are in principle accessible for
trust:
other healthcare providers at any moment. This system
1. sufficient quality of the data in the EPR,
is expected to affect positively the quality of care and to
2. an adequate level of confidentiality and security of the reduce medical costs.
data
3. clarity about health care providers’ responsibilities and
At present, medical data are already recorded and
liabilities
exchanged by healthcare providers, but only on a regional
level. This means that EPRs are used by a limited number of
Main research questions
professionals, who are to some extent acquainted with each
1. a. What are the responsibilities and duties of healthcare
other and who may know how to interpret and value the
professionals in the context of the national EPR?
information provided in the local EPRs.
b. Is there sufficient clarity concerning these responsibilities and duties to provide legal certainty?
The change from local records to a national EPR alters
2. a. What level of data quality and data security do the quality requirements for the entered data; healthcare
healthcare providers consider basic conditions for the providers who receive health information from colleagues
full implementation of the national EPR?
will have to be confident that the data are accurate,
b. What level can be expected in the national EPR, given complete and up-to-date. Furthermore, issues of
present policies, practices and regulation?
confidentiality and security of the data should be covered
3. What can be done – in terms of regulation (voluntary
adequately. In view of such issues and because of the
or statutory), technical measures or organisational
related legal uncertainties, one third of the healthcare
arrangements – to enable caregivers to fulfil their
professionals are reluctant to accept the national EPR
obligations and responsibilities and thereby ensure their
as proposed by the Dutch government. Yet healthcare
cooperation in a national EPR?
providers’ trust in the national EPR is essential for a
successful implementation of the system.
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Research approach
Intended research results
We will study healthcare providers’ trust in the national EPR
The project will result in recommendations about
and factors influencing this trust from legal and empirical
(additional) regulatory, technical or organisational measures
perspectives:
that can be taken to promote healthcare providers’ trust
–– legal analysis of the statutory framework of the national
EPR and other relevant legal and policy documents with
regard to the underlying principles, healthcare providers’
duties and the safeguards provided for the quality and
security of medical data.
–– case studies in three healthcare settings that are particularly
demanding with respect to implementing a national EPR:
- a ambulatory mental healthcare
- acute care
- diabetes care
For each of these settings, we will select two examples,
representing both ends of the scale with respect to the
use of electronic medical records. In these settings, we will
study the extent to which medical information is exchanged
within and between different health care organisations.
Using questionnaires and interviews, we will investigate
healthcare providers’ trust in the EPR, the problems they
experience with the EPR and their views on possible
improvements.
in the national EPR. These insights should contribute to an
effective implementation of the national EPR.
Introduction
Telecare at home:
Anticipating conflicting
norms in telemonitoring
technologies for chronic
patients
LON G
TER M
SHORT
TER M
Professor dr. N. Oudshoorn
Problem definition
Professor of Technology Dynamics and Health Care,
Conflicting norms between surveillance by technological
University of Twente Department of Science, Technology
devices & autonomy of patients/nurses during development
and Policy Studies
of telemonitoring technologies for chronic patients
Approach
–– Professor dr. H. Hermens MSc, Professor of Biomedical
Engineering. University of Twente and the Roessingh Centre
Constructive, ethical technology assessment to investigate
design & use of telemonitoring devices
for Revalidation in Enschede.
–– Dr. V. Jones MSc, Associate Professor of Computer Science.
–– Professor dr. P.P. Verbeek MSc, Professor of Philosophy of
Technology, University of Twente
–– Dr. Asle Kiran, Postdoc Department of Philosophy, University
Aim
Development of tools supporting engineers of
telemonitoring technologies to find a balance between
surveillance by devices & autonomy of patients/nurses
of Twente
–– Mr. I.J.H. Maathuis MSc, PhD Student Department of STəPS,
Project team
Multidisciplinary team of researchers from: – Science &
Technology Studies – Philosophyof Technology – Biomedical
Valorisation panel
–– NPCF Nederlandse Patienten Consumenten Federatie
–– Roessingh Research & Development
–– Het Roessingh Revalidatie Centrum
–– Universiteit Twente, faculteit EWI (Elektrotechniek,
Wiskunde en Informatica)
Engineering – Computer Science
This research aims to increase the understanding of how
How can telemonitoring technologies be developed
engineers can anticipate conflicting norms concerning
to achieve a careful balance between surveillance by
surveillance and autonomy resulting from the use of
technological devices and the control and autonomy of
telemonitoring technologies. These ICT technologies
patients and nurses?
can be used to monitor or diagnose patients at home
and are claimed to have the potential to improve the
To answer this question, we will conduct a constructive,
quality of healthcare. Telemonitoring technologies are
ethical technology assessment in which we investigate the
an important innovation because they can contribute to
design and practices relating to the use of telemonitoring
closing the gap between the growing demand of care
devices in chronic care that are currently being developed
and the scarcity of healthcare professionals by delegating
and implemented in Europe. Based on these insights, we
certain tasks that are normally conducted by doctors to
will develop tools that can support engineers to find a
nurses, patients, their informal networks of carers, and
balance between these conflicting norms.
to ICT systems. Adopting these technologies implies a
transition in healthcare because they challenge the existing
The project is a long-term project that started in October
distribution of tasks and responsibilities, including care
2009 and will end in October 2013.
standards. On the one hand, telemonitoring technologies
aim to increase the responsibility of patients and nurses
for monitoring diseases, thus bringing more control and
autonomy to patients’ lives and nurses’ work. On the other,
telemonitoring applications are expected to replace people
and assume responsibilities and control for monitoring
diseases.
These conflicting standards are crucial where it concerns the
acceptance of these innovative technologies.
The central question of the proposed research is therefore:
Introduction
LON G
Optimisation of complex
palliative care at home
by making use of expert
consultation via telemedicine
SHORT
TER M
TER M
Prof. dr. K.C.P. (Kris) Vissers
Problem definition
Radboud University
Many hospital transfers occur at the end of life, but most
people prefer to die at home. The project aim is to bring
palliative expert consultation from the hospital into home
care via telemedicine
–– Drs. J Hasselaar
–– Dr. M. van Selm
–– Prof. dr. E. van Leeuwen
Approach
–– Dr. C. Verhagen
Quantitative: measuring whether telemedicine contributes
–– Prof. dr. W. van den Bosch
to better quality of care and avoidance of hospital transfers
Qualitative: investigating how telemedicine in terminal
patients should be valued from an ethical-sociological
Valorisation panel
perspective
–– Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen
–– Regionale huisartsenkring Nijmegen
–– KNMG (Koninklijke Nederlandse maatschappij voor
geneeskunde)
–– Ministerie VWS
–– Zorgverzekeraar VGZ/IZA
–– Zorggroep Zuid Gelderland
–– UMC St Radboud & IKO (Integraal Kanker centrum Oost
Nederland)
–– Focuscura
–– NPTN (netwerk palliatieve zorg voor terminale patiënten)
–– NAPC (Nederlandse associatie palliatief consulenten)
–– NICHE (Nijmegen international center for health systems
research and education)
–– Alysis Rijnstate
Aim
To what extent telemedicine contributes to transmural
palliative care
Problem definition
Research approach
Due to the aging population and the wish of many people
to pass away at home, palliative care at home will gain
Phase I Pilot study
increasing importance over the coming years. In 2006, some
30% of all non-acute deaths in the Netherlands occurred
We will explore system requirements such as the mobility
at home. However, research concerning non-sudden death
of the system and the safety of data exchange, followed
trajectories in Belgium has shown that 73% of patients
by the drafting of organisational flow charts for using
experienced one or more transfers from home care to
telemonitoring for palliative care at home. This will include
hospital care in the last three months of their lives with
the various responsibilities of general practitioners, the
around one out of three of these admissions taking place
hospital palliative team and patient/families. We will
in the last week of life. Hospital transfers can be considered
also look at issues such as the placement of screens and
a significant burden for (pre-)terminal patients who often
developing an education session for participating general
are bedbound and difficult to transport. Furthermore,
practitioners. Finally, we will perform a pilot with a limited
crisis admissions to the hospital are expensive and time-
number of patients with a prospect of complex palliative
consuming. Thus, efforts to bring palliative facilities from
care at home. This evaluation will cover the suitability of
the hospital into home care should be welcomed.
the system and a first set of in-depth interviews with all
involved parties in order to investigate their experiences
Research objective
and dilemmas.
The objective of the study is to consider whether the use of
palliative expert consultation via telemedicine:
Phase II Empirical component
–– is socially and morally acceptable from the perspectives of
the parties involved (patient, relatives, caregivers);
–– can reduce hospital admissions without a negative impact
on the quality of patient life;
–– can be embedded into the (local) infrastructure of
Quantitative part
Here we will address the main question of the quantitative
research: whether the use of telemedicine for patients
at risk enables them to be treated at home for a longer
healthcare organisations with respect to financial, medical,
period of time and avoid hospital transfers at similar levels
organisational, ethical, social and cultural aspects, resulting
of quality of life and symptom burden. A two-pronged
in the development of a standard practice for embedding
randomised study will involve the use of telemonitoring and
palliative consultation via telemedicine;
the use of regular (phone or face-to-face) consultation. We
–– can be used to lower the gap between developed and
developed countries regarding access to palliative care skills
and knowledge.
will train the participating general practitioners to use the
telemonitoring device before patient inclusion starts.
Qualitative part
We will develop proof of a practical standard for further
Using a semi-structured, in-depth interview, we will
implementation, incorporating the results of the project, as
investigate the ethical values of attentiveness, responsibility,
a tool to support further implementation. This tool will be
competence, and responsiveness. The in-depth interviews
developed taking into account medical, ethical & societal,
will also address to what extent patients and general
and economic aspects.
practitioners were satisfied with the use of telemedicine or
whether it (also) included negative associations.
Exploring the implementation in developing countries
Part of phase III will also involve a basic exploration of the
Phase III Preparing for implementation
use of telemedicine for complex palliative care at home
for developing countries. This project aims to apply the
Implementation in the Netherlands
implementation standard as developed in phase II in one
Should the preliminary results of phase II demonstrate
care setting in a developing country in order to compare
good effects of telemedicine, we will develop a business
clinical outcomes and ethical and social dilemmas with the
case in phase III of the study. This will involve the economic
results of phase II (n=1 study). For this purpose, we will hold
and organisational limiting conditions for the successful
in-depth interviews with local caregivers and/or families in
implementation of the project results once the project has
the developing country.
been completed. In addition, decisions need to be made
and disseminated to a wide audience regarding financial
and organisational procedures surrounding telemedicine for
complex palliative care at home.
Virtual reality
Introduction
Empowering and protecting
children and adolescents
against cyberbullying
Virtual reality: The effectiveness of social,
technological and legal interventions for
cyberbullying amongst children and adolescents
LON G
TER M
SHORT
TER M
Dr. mr. S. (Simone) van der Hof
Problem definition
University of Tilburg
What types of strategies do children use to protect
Institute for Law, Technology, and Society
themselves against cyberbullying in online worlds and what
are the most effective interventions to empower children
–– Prof. dr. Patti Valkenburg
Approach
–– Dr. Anton Vedder
Mapping problems of cyberbullying amongst children in
–– Dr. Virginia Dignum
empirical research and experimenting in virtual worlds
–– Sindy Sumter MSc
based on cyberbullying scenarios and protoypes
–– Janneke van der Zwaan MSc
Aim
Valorisation panel
Find effective regulatory ways to prevent or intervene in
–– ECP.NL/Digibewust
cyberbullying situations in order to protect and empower
–– Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
children
–– Ministry of Justice
–– Ministry of Economic Affairs
–– Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations /
Contact person of the participating ministry
–– Association for public education (Vereniging voor openbaar
onderwijs (VOO))
–– National Center for School Improvement (APS/ Pestweb)
–– Netherlands Youth Institute (NJI)
–– MijnKindOnline/ OudersOnline
–– KPN/ MijnKindOnline
–– Ministry of Economic Affairs
–– Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations /
Contact person of the participating ministry
Summary
behaviour. At the same time, victims cannot properly
Does the internet turn us into ferocious vigilantes or
conceive the significance of what is happening to them,
pestering nuisances? Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest
although it may involve highly-traumatic experiences.
it can. One example is the case of a South-Korean girl
An important harmful factor may be that cyberbullying
whose personal information was revealed online after
intrudes on the safety of their private environment, given
refusing to clean up after her dog in the subway. The girl
that victims experience negative behaviour behind the
was branded ‘poop girl’ worldwide and quit university out
computer in their homes and even bedrooms. Potentially,
of shame. Another example is the relentless cyberbullying
long-term effects of cyberbullying can be more profound
by a mother, impersonating a 16-year-old boy, who drove
than off-line bullying if negative information that has been
13-year-old Megan Meier to suicide after sending her
published online cannot be erased.
vicious messages on social networking site MySpace,
including one stating that the world would be better off
Anti-social behaviour, such as cyberbullying, may be
without her. The mother was recently indicted by a federal
regulated socially, legally and technologically and each
grand jury, charging her with computer conspiracy and
regulatory modality can be more or less effective depending
unauthorised access to protected computers to emotionally
on the behaviour and context involved. Social norms
harm the girl. Obviously, these examples represent the most
are important in regulating behaviour in societies. The
unfortunate excesses, but the bottom line is clear: online
hypothesis is that such norms vary between virtual worlds
communities provide far-reaching “opportunities” for
(e.g. virtual games and social networking sites), which
online and offline anti-social behaviour.
influences the prevalence and nature of cyberbullying
and effectiveness of different regulatory modalities.
This long-term research project focuses specifically on
Technology can control or steer social behaviour through
cyberbullying amongst children/adolescents in different
the functionalities in the software design, e.g., by allowing
kinds of (experimental) virtual worlds. Cyberbullying has
users to rate and block others. Laws may punish anti-
distinct features from traditional bullying behaviour. Often
social (illegal) behaviour or regulate the extent to which
the bully remains anonymous. As a result, the incentive
social enforcement of behaviour is justified (e.g. publishing
to comply with social norms is weak, particularly when
privacy-sensitive data online to pillory a person). Each of
negative behaviour triggers few social consequences.
the (social, technological, legal) instruments of intervention
Additionally, cyberbullies are not confronted with the
can be part of or fundamental to the cyberbullying policies
impact of their behaviour as there are no physical or social
of governments and other interest groups. Depending on
cues, which may foster anti-social and even aggressive
the extent and severity of the cyberbullying problem and
the effectiveness of interventions, a pathway must be found
Moreover, the project investigates relevant factors in
through these different regulatory strategies that unites
the ways adolescent users of virtual worlds perceive and
the objectives of protecting and empowering children/
empower themselves against negative behaviour. The
adolescents.
research objective is to apprehend the possibilities for
protection and empowerment of individuals against online
This research aims to map out the problem of cyberbullying
anti-social behaviour through (a combination of) different
amongst children and adolescents and the different kinds
kinds of regulatory modalities.
of intervention that are deployed to address cyberbullying
in virtual communities. The research will focus on children
and adolescents aged between 10 and 18. This group is
involved closely in virtual worlds but is also extremely
susceptible, both in terms of absorbing social norms and
potential victimisation. ‘Intervention’ in this research refers
to (social, technological, or legal) ways of interfering in
situations where negative behaviour, in casu cyberbullying,
occurs or may occur in order to prevent or inhibit (including
penalising) such behaviour. Interventions may be translated
into policy initiatives and implemented by different parties,
such as users, providers, software developers, interest
groups and governments. The research also intends to
determine the effectiveness of different kinds of social,
technological and legal interventions for cyberbullying in
different virtual contexts, and, consequently, to translate
the results into recommendations for stakeholders.
The observation society
Surveillance in
urban nightscapes
The socio-spatial effects of videosurveillance in urban nightlife districts
LON G
TER M
SHORT
TER M
Dr. I. (Irina) van Aalst
Problem definition
Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and
The examination of the whole surveillance network -
Planning, Faculty of Geosciences
visitors, CCTV technologies, surveillors, public authorities
and entrepreneurs - and its effects on the production of
public spaces in urban nightlife districts
–– Dr. T. Schwanen, Department of Human Geography and
Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University &
Transport Studies Unit, School of Geography and the
Approach
Environment, Oxford University, UK.
Elaboration of a interdisciplinary theoretical framework.
–– Prof. dr. N.E.J. Oudshoorn, Science, Technology, Health and
A mixed-methods approach (ethnographs, interviews,
Policy Studies, School of Management and Governance,
discourse analysis, questionnaires, participatory workshops)
University of Twente.
will be employed to examine the practices, emotions and
–– Prof. dr. M. Dijst, Department of Human Geography and
Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University.
thoughts of various groups in nightscapes in three Dutch
cities
–– J. Brands MSc., PhD researcher, Department of Human
Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht
University.
–– T. Timan MSc., PhD researcher, Science, Technology, Health
Aim
Generate recommendations about how video-surveillance
and Policy Studies, School of Management and Governance,
can be (re)configured to maximize its potential to produce
University of Twente.
socially inclusive and heterogeneous nightscapes
–– (t.b.a.) Postdoc-researcher, Department of Human
Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht
University
Valorisation panel
Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom
Relations, Municipality of Rotterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem,
Tilburg University - Institute for Law, Technology, and
Society (TILT), TNO Defence, Security and Safety, Police
Netherlands/ ICT, Netherlands Centre for Crime Prevention
and Community Safety (CCV), Nxtlandscapes Rotterdam,
DSP-groep Amsterdam, Intraval Groningen, Koninklijke
Horeca NL, NICIS Institute
In recent years, video-surveillance of public spaces has
profile social groups as risky or undesired, and/or exclude
expanded rapidly, primarily because governments and
or control and restrict the presence and practices of specific
private actors believe it helps reduce criminality, increases
social groups. It extends the existing scientific literature in
(perceived) safety and maintains public order. Apart from
which no comprehensive empirical accounts exist of how
expansion, video-surveillance is characterised by rapid
channelling, marginalisation and exclusion arise through
technical advances in recording devices and algorithms
the interactions of operators, other surveillors, the watched,
for interpreting data flows in CCTV control rooms, and
video technologies, private entrepreneurs and public
broader intentions, including maintaining public order
authorities. The project also extends the existing literature
and managing public spaces. CCTV’s expansion and
by focusing explicitly on public space in and around urban
technical advancement are not just the result of cost-
nightscapes where bars, discos, cinemas, etc. are clustered
effectiveness considerations; they are premised on urban
spatially. Previous work has focused only on urban areas
entrepreneurialism and a moral panic of fear. Local
during daytime or implicitly assumes that the gaze of
governments seek to boost the urban economy by creating
cameras and other forms of surveillance works in the same
high-quality milieus where (affluent) consumers are
way during daytime and night-time. A specific focus on the
safeguarded against crime and ‘unpleasant’ encounters
urban night is warranted for at least two reasons. Night-
such as undesired persons and groups. These developments
time entertainment districts are increasingly important
are also based on technologically-deterministic, utopian
assets in cities’ attempts to attract affluent consumers and
understandings of its effectiveness. CCTV is often believed
stimulate economic growth, and safety is considered a
to have direct, universal causal effects on (behaviour
crucial prerequisite for a successful night-time economy.
in) public spaces and to be inherently beneficial. At the
Additionally, the urban night provides more opportunities
same time, certain popular and scientific discourses have
for transgressive, anti-social behaviour and offers more
introduced the downsides of video-surveillance. CCTV
intense emotional experiences to users than daytime urban
may, for example, produce socially-exclusive spaces and
space.
exacerbate discrimination of certain social groups.
The project addresses the following research objectives:
This project addresses all the above mentioned
a. It will examine whether and how channelling,
interpretations and understanding of video-surveillance,
marginalisation and exclusion in urban nightscapes
emphasising the context, complexity and ambiguity of the
emerge from the interactions of visitors, surveillors, CCTV
effects of CCTV. Its central tenet is that CCTV may channel
technologies, entrepreneurs and public authorities;
or attract social groups to certain spaces, marginalise or
b. It will generate recommendations about how to
maximise the potential of video-surveillance to produce
The introduction of novel technologies in CCTV has major
socially-inclusive and heterogeneous public spaces in and
societal and ethical consequences for citizens depending
around nightlife districts.
on the context in which these surveillance technologies
are used. The selective use of CCTV technologies in public
We will employ a mixed-method approach (ethnographs,
spaces, as well as the selective use of collected data,
interviews, discourse analysis, questionnaires, participatory
may lead to ethnicity and gender-related exclusion and
workshops) to examine three urban nightscapes with
discrimination. Although surveillance technologies promise
concentrations of bars, discos and cinemas in the centres
to promote public safety for everybody, current practices
of three Dutch cities. We will select the cities based on the
suggest that CCTV may produce socially-exclusive spaces.
extent to which smart CCTV technologies are used and
Based on empirical studies, this research project aims to
the distribution of responsibilities between private and
generate recommendations about how video surveillance’s
municipal actors within the local surveillance network.
potential to produce socially-inclusive and heterogeneous
public spaces in and around nightlife districts can be
We envisage several sub-projects: two PhD projects
concentrating primarily on the practices of nightscape
visitors (the watched) and surveillance networks
(the watchers); a post-doc researcher will focus on
the interaction between public authorities, nightlife
entrepreneurs and technology designers and the
institutional arrangements in the surveillance networks. The
senior researchers will integrate all the sub-projects.
maximised.
The observation society
Introduction
LON G
Data mining
without
discrimination
TER M
SHORT
TER M
Dr. ir. B.H.M. (Bart) Custers
Problem definition
Leiden University,
To what extent can legal and ethical rules can be integrated
eLaw@Leiden, Centre for Law in the Information Society
in data mining algorithms, in order to prevent selections
rules in data analysis from discriminating particular groups
of people?
–– Dr. Toon Calders
–– Dr. ir. Sicco Verwer
Approach
–– Mr. dr. Bart Schermer
Two methodologies will be explored: (1) remove
–– [vacancy]
discrimination from the training dataset by adjusting labels
of the most likely victims of discrimination (2) change the
probabilities to reflect ‘non-discrimination’
Valorisation panel
–– Leiden University
–– Eindhoven University of Technology
Aim
–– Tilburg University
This research aims to develop concepts for non-
–– KLPD (Dutch national police)
discriminating data mining tools. These tools may be
–– Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations
useful for police and justice departments to analyse their
–– CBS (Dutch Bureau of Statistics)
databases
–– WODC (Research and Documentation Centre of the
Netherlands’ Ministry of Justice)
The research
The applications
The huge amounts of data collected, stored and processed
Police and justice departments need adequate information
nowadays are increasingly analysed using automated
of (people committing/planning) crime, fraud, violence,
systems. Data mining has developed to such an extent
terrorist attacks, etc. Within most of these organisations,
that it is used extensively to statistically determine
there are databases with large amounts of data , but
patterns and trends in large volumes of data. However,
insight into (criminal) patterns is sometimes lacking,
the patterns and trends can be abused easily as they often
particularly where it concerns crime prevention. Because
lead to selection. This may result in the discrimination of
of the large volumes of data, there is an increasing need
particular groups. Using datasets from police and justice
for tools that provide automated analyses, such as data
departments, the aim of this project is to investigate to
mining and profiling. This is exacerbated by the fact that
what extent legal and ethical rules can be integrated into
criminal networks are growing rapidly, both nationally and
data mining algorithms to prevent this type of abuse. It
internationally, so that governments must respond using
is not our ambition to develop a complete computerised
smart technologies. Obviously, the government has an
and automated system for a code of laws. We want to
exemplary role in this where it concerns obeying the laws
explore how certain, selected current legislation rules
and regulations. However, in some cases these tools appear
regarding discrimination translate into constraints that
to be violating basic human rights. For instance, collecting
can be exploited computationally. By translating existing
and using their data for control groups may violate the
legal and ethical rules and principles into a format that is
privacy of innocent people. Results of data mining may
understandable for computers, these rules can be used to
turn out to be discriminating for particular groups with
guide the data mining process. Contrary to earlier efforts
particular ethnic or religious backgrounds. Automated
to create privacy-preserving data mining that used access
decision-making based on profiling may violate a person’s
restrictions on personal information, this research will focus
autonomy and it may even be a violation of a person’s
on transparency and accountability that focus on the use
human dignity to treat him or her as a mere dossier, i.e.
of the data. We chose this approach because we believe
merely on the basis of his or her data, instead of as a
that access controls are increasingly inadequate in a world
human being. Hence, data mining and profiling tools are
of automated and interlinked databases and information
desirable due to the ‘information overflow’, but not ‘safe’
networks in which individuals are rapidly losing grip on
to use because they may result in the violation of basic
who is using their information and for what purposes,
human rights. Besides avoiding or minimising violations
particularly due to the ease of copying and disseminating
of human rights, the research results aim to improve the
information.
results of criminal investigation and prosecution. For this
reason, there is close cooperation in this research with
police and justice departments.
Example
Sex Ethnicity Highest Degree Job Type Class
M
native
highschool
board
+
M
native
university
board
+
M
native
highschool
board
+
M
non-native
highschool
healthcare +
Project for research into ethical and societal projects of
M
non-native
university
healthcare –
concrete technological developments.
F
non-native
university
education
–
F
native
highschool
education
–
F
native
none
healthcare +
F
non-native
university
education
–
F
native
highschool
board
+
This research project is short term (1-year duration).
The starting date is October 2009 and it will be completed
in October 2010.
The dataset above contains the Sex, Ethnicity, Highest Degree
of 10 job applicants, the Job Type they applied for and the
Class, defining the outcome of the selection procedure.
In this example, the dependence ratio between Sex and Class,
is 40%, meaning that, in this dataset, women will have 40%
less chance of getting a job than men.
Neurotechnology
Introduction
Towards an appropriate
societal embedding of
neuroimaging
LON G
TER M
SHORT
TER M
Dr. J.E.W. (Jacqueline) Broerse
Problem definition
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Athena Institute
Although recent developments in neuroimaging may lead
to various interesting applications, ethical, legal and social
concerns have also been raised. A science-society dialogue
is important to ensure an appropriate societal embedding
–– Prof. dr. Tj. De Cock Buning
of neuroimaging. However, in the field of cognitive
–– Dr. S.A.R.B. Rombouts
neuroscience such a dialogue is largely absent
–– Prof. dr. J.J Jolles
–– Prof. dr. H.L.G.J. Merckelbach
–– Dr. F. Kupper
Approach
–– Drs. M.J.W. Bos
We initiate an innovative science-society dialogue process,
–– Drs. R.C. van Koten
based on the Interactive Learning and Action approach, in
–– Drs. M.E. Arendshorst
which stakeholders from science and society are actively
involved in an open exchange, planning, action and
reflection process on opportunities, concerns and desirable
Valorisation panel
design options of neuroimaging
–– Philips Research Europe
–– Advanced Neuro Technology, Enschede
–– Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden
Aim
–– Leiden University medical centre
Scientists and societal stakeholders jointly formulate
–– Dutch Neuromuscular Diseases Association (VSN)
concrete design options for socially embedded responsible
–– Graaf Huyn College, Geleen
neuroimaging technologies, including a process and
–– Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
production architecture for realizing them and bringing
–– Amsterdam-Amstelland police force
them to the ‘market’
–– Council for the Judiciary Act
Improved availability and accuracy of brain mapping
In this project we therefore aim:
technologies (neuroimaging) increase the number
I. to improve the societal embedding of neuroimaging
of possible practical applications not only within the
in healthcare, education and justice by facilitating a
healthcare sector, but also in many other domains. This
science-society dialogue process in which
proposal focuses on the (potential) use of neuroimaging
(1) stakeholders from science and society are
in healthcare, learning/education and justice. Although
involved actively in an open exchange, planning, many opportunities for diagnostics, treatment, improved
action and reflection process, (2) both scientific and
decision-making and criminal investigation have been
practical knowledge are integrated, and (3) mutual
identified, there are also various concerns with respect to
learning is enhanced, leading to identified actions for
privacy, identity, fairness, equity, etc. Since several actors
social responsible technology development.
are keen to exploit neuroimaging in a commercial setting,
As such, this project specifically takes an active design
this might result in decontextualised oversimplifications
perspective, going beyond a descriptive analysis and insights
and deterministic value judgements that harm the societal
of the opportunities and problems. However, various
image of neuroimaging and subsequently might destabilise
scholars have indicated that greater insight is needed in
social translation and implementation, as has been the case
how to shape such a science-society dialogue conscientiously
with biotechnology in the past.
and effectively. The knowledge base as to which methods
work best to achieve a certain objective is limited. A second
It is important to realise that there are multiple perspectives
aim of the project is therefore:
in society on what constitute positive and negative effects
II. to further specify a methodology for facilitating a
of neuroimaging technologies and on the preferred
science-society dialogue.
design options for (commercial) applications. To develop
and innovate neuroimaging tools that are applicable in
In this project, we initiate an innovative science-society
the domains mentioned above effectively, and to achieve
dialogue process – based on the Interactive Learning and
appropriate societal embedding, various scholars have
Action approach – in which (a) stakeholders from science
argued that a science-society dialogue is needed to ensure
and society are involved actively in an open exchange,
that a greater number of aspects are included and more
planning, action and reflection process, (b) different types
stakeholders are actively engaged in the innovation process.
of knowledge (both scientific and practical knowledge)
Such a dialogue is largely absent in cognitive neuroscience.
is integrated, and (c) mutual learning is enhanced.
We use the following four phases of the ILA approach:
This will lead to concrete design options for socially
1.
Preparation and exploration: We will perform a
embedded responsible neuroimaging technologies,
scientific investigation into the state-of-the-art in
including a process and production architecture for
neuroimaging as well as a stakeholder and value
realising them and bringing them to the market.
analysis. This will identify the relevant actors and
provide a rough insight into their views, and the
Throughout the process, we will pay explicit attention to
ethical and societal issues at stake through desk study
translating plans and intentions into action and linking
and exploratory interviews with key informants.
these to existing structures and programmes. At the
2.
In-depth study of needs and visions: The needs and
same time we will monitor and evaluate the application
visions of various stakeholder groups in science and
of the ILA approach, leading to knowledge generation
society are identified by interviews and focus groups
with respect to methodological issues. The project will be
amongst others. It is important to have a thorough
executed by a multidisciplinary research team for a four-
understanding of how the different stakeholders define
year period. In this way, the project contributes to the
the issue at hand in order to make subsequent dialogue
objective of the MVI programme: to broaden research,
between scientific and societal stakeholders more
development and innovation trajectories with ethical and
effective.
3.
Integration: A number of heterogeneous dialogue
meetings (carefully structured and facilitated
workshops) are organised on neuroimaging in the
three selected application domains to exchange
information and stimulate mutual learning between
different stakeholders with the aim of identifying
shared future visions on neuroimaging, quick wins
(concrete applications that can be achieved in a
relatively short timeframe) and contested visions
(where stakeholders disagree).
4.
Priority setting and planning towards joint innovation
and agenda: In follow up, subsequent dialogue
meetings will be held to set priorities and make an
action plan for different domains of application.
societal explorations in order to contribute to a sociallyresponsible innovation process.
Defence, security & military technology
Introduction
LON G
Moral fitness of military
personnel in a networked
operational environment
TER M
SHORT
TER M
Mr. dr. ir. L.M.M. (Lambèr) Royakkers
Problem definition
Eindhoven University of Technology
When collaborating in a network, what are the critical
Faculty Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences
competencies of military personnel needed for moral
decision making in the context of others in the network?
–– Peter Essens
Approach
–– Desirée Verweij
Ethical, social, psychological, human-technology analyses
–– Christine van Burke
and experimentation
–– Anya Topolski
–– Bart van Bezooijen
–– Marc de Vries
Social relevance
Ground morally responsible acting
1. by ‘designing’ ethically fit network-enabled Command Valorisation panel
and Control structures, and
–– NATO Research and Technology Human Factors and
2. by initiating changes in education, training and mission –– Medical Panel
–– Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, USA
–– Swedish Defence Research Agency, Linköping
–– Netherlands Defence Academy, Breda
–– Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto
–– Dutch Naval Forces
preparation for military personnel
Atalanta-Bindt-team
(photo MoD-Mediadesk)
The military operational environment is highly complex and
there is not yet an established view of NEO’s critical
dynamic with opponents amongst the people at the same
human aspects. The primary challenge of this proposal is
time, the forces’ organisation is complex internally with
to incorporate the human factor into the development
ad hoc multinational configurations and the involvement
of NEO, since if the human factor is not understood
of non-military agencies. On these missions, various parts
completely and taken into account, NEO’s full potential
of the military forces have to work together intensively.
and exploitation will be limited (or even prevented). NEO’s
To facilitate this, the forces are increasingly making use
human factor goes deeper than issues of human-technology
of network technology. We will use the phrase Network
interaction. Ethics and morality play a crucial role in NEO’s
Enabled Operations (NEO) to describe the added value of
human factor. NEO is founded on at least three moral
a well-networked organisation. The added value is derived
assumptions, related to information sharing, collaboration,
mostly from the improved context-specific cooperation
and delegation of authority.
between military units, enabling ad hoc coupling of military
capabilities, for example real-time air reinforcement in
We believe that the scale, complexity, and scope of
the case of a patrol coming unexpectedly under fire. In
network environment operations are leveraging moral
essence, NEO’s potential is to achieve enhanced military
issues in new ways. We will use the term ‘moral fitness’
effect through the better use of information systems. In
as an answer to this required sophistication, referring
this way, sharing information provides a much-improved
to the necessary alertness and responsibility on a moral
shared awareness of the situation, enabling implicit
level. This research programme explores the moral aspects
synchronisation and ad hoc collaboration, resulting in rapid
of the human factor of the networked force and will
and effective decision-making.
develop a detailed understanding of how to achieve a
greater synergy between NEO’s potential and people’s
More than in any other technological transformation, the
ability to increase operational effectiveness in a way that
key success factor in realising Network Enabled Operations
is morally responsible. The NEO paradigm will result in a
is not the technology, but the human factor - the people
change of culture. This new culture is characterised mainly
using it, form social networks, and coordinate and
by individual soldiers taking on and receiving greater
collaborate to solve operational problems.
responsibility for putting their actions and decisions in the
Owing to its complexity and emergent properties, the
context of others in the network. This will have implications
difficulty of conceptualising the human factor is arguably
for the mental capabilities and moral competencies of
the reason why it has fallen behind NEO’s related technical
the military personnel, and may even require a new type
and material enhancement. The literature indicates that
of soldier, since soldiers who are currently mentally and
HMS Johan de Witt - Joint Operations Room
Golf van Aden
(photo Peter Essens)
(photo MoD-Mediadesk)
morally fit for duty will not necessarily meet the demands
To answer the research question, we intend to pursue three
of an NEO environment, which creates new values and new
research projects with the following research questions:
moral challenges.
–– What are the characteristics of moral fitness in a networked
The goal of the research is to identify and analyse NEO’s
–– Which are the psychological and social conditions that
operational environment? (project 1)
underlying, critical moral notions and its psychological
enable morally-responsible decision-making in a networked
and social requirements for adequate decision-making
operational environment? (project 2)
and collaboration. This should contribute to stronger,
guaranteed morally-responsible actions and decisions by
military personnel in a networked operational environment.
This will allow them to better deal with the complex
operational problems by which they are confronted during
international missions both individually and collectively.
The central research question is:
What are the critical competencies of military personnel
needed for moral decision-making in network enabled
operations?
–– In what ways does a networked operational environment
affect military behaviour? (project 3)
Values, conflicts in values & culture
Introduction
Persuasive technology,
allocation of control,
and social values
LON G
SHORT
Prof. dr. ir. A.W.M. (Anthonie) Meijers
Professor of philosophy and ethics of technology, section
of Philosophy, school of Innovation Sciences at TU/e,
3TU Centre for Ethics and Technology
TER M
TER M
Under which conditions (technological,
psychological, ethical) can persuasive
technology contribute to the realization of
social values?
–– Empirical study of a concrete case: energy management and
safety of trucks
–– Prof. dr. C.J.H. Midden, Professor of social psychology,
section of Human-Technology Interaction, school of
Innovation Sciences at TU/e
–– Prof. dr. ir. M. Steinbuch, Professor of control systems
–– Investigate persuasive technology that can help truck drivers
allocating control over their vehicle to technological systems
(e.g., automatic braking system)
–– Research about underlying general principles and
mechanisms of persuasive technologies:
technology, department of Mechanical Engineering at TU/e
–– Psychological mechanisms
and scientific director of the Centre of High Tech Systems of
–– Ethical dilemmas
the Federation of Dutch Technical Universities.
–– Energy efficiency
–– Dr. A. Spahn, Assistant professor of ethics and technology,
–– Relation between these elements
school of Innovation Sciences at TU/e, 3TU Centre for Ethics
and Technology
–– Dr. J. Ham, Assistant professor of psychology and
Aim
technology, department of human-technology interaction,
Design-recommendations for developers of persuasive
school of Innovation Sciences at TU/e
technology
–– Dr. Th. Hofman, Assistant professor of hybrid power trains,
faculty of Mechanical Engineering TU/e
Valorisation panel
–– DAF Trucks
–– TNO Automotive
–– Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat / Rijkswaterstaat
–– Innovation-programme ‘Wegen naar de toekomst’
–– Ministerie van Justitie / WODC
–– Rathenau Institute
–– 3TU Centre of Ethics
–– TU/e Innovation Lab
Persuasive technology, allocation of control,
and social values
The empirical case concerns energy management and
Persuasive technologies are generic technologies that
that much energy can be saved by (semi)automatic forms
are designed intentionally to change a person’s attitude,
of accelerating and braking. This, however, requires a
behaviour or both. Examples include instruments that give
reallocation of control of the vehicle from the driver to the
car drivers information about their fuel consumption, RSI
technological system. Under which conditions can drivers be
programmes on computers that promote work breaks, or
persuaded to do this? What role can persuasive technology
robots that take on the role of social actors and praise or
play in this?
safety of vehicles (cars, trucks). It is a well-known fact
criticise users depending on their performance.
The overall research question of the programme is:
Persuasive technologies are especially important in areas
Under which conditions (technological, psychological,
where there is an urgent need to change the attitudes
ethical) can persuasive technology contribute to the
or the behaviour of users. This need often arises from
achievement of our social values, taking into account
a conflict between the actual behaviour and desires of
the allocation of control between users and
individual agents, and the social values that we find
technological systems as the key variable?
important. Sustainability is an obvious case. Almost
everyone knows that energy conservation is crucial for
Project 1: Psychology of persuasive technology
a sustainable society, yet there is not as much progress
The core question in this project is how the distribution
as collectively we would want there to be. In spite of
of control can be optimised considering the performances
widespread agreement about social values, they do not
of the system, the user’s need to make the interaction
seem to have enough salience in people’s everyday decision-
satisfying, and the user’s willingness to delegate control to
making.
the system. To study this question, we identify a continuum
of control allocation that defines how responsibility can
In this research proposal, we focus on the conflict between
be shared between the human user and the system. Based
individual interests and social values and the role that
on earlier work, we conclude that the level of trust in the
persuasive technologies can play in solving this conflict.
system is an important mediating variable in the user’s
We study the conflict on two levels: (1) on the level of a
preference. In addition, we expect the user to balance trust
concrete empirical case, and (2) on the level of psychological
in his or her perceived performance of the driving task with
mechanisms, ethical dilemmas, and design guidelines.
trust in the (expected) performance of the system.
user’s feeling of control and as such operate as an assurance
Project 3: Energy management, safety and
vehicle control simulation
in the event that granting trust cannot be justified fully.
This part of the project aims to develop a simulation
The ultimate availability of (veto) control may enhance the
environment and an optimisation tool that can be used to
Project 2: Ethics of persuasive technologies
study the behaviour of drivers in vehicles in a controlled
Persuasive technologies raise various ethical questions,
psychological research facility (projects 1 and 2). Control
many of which have to do with a conflict between the
of the vehicle when braking and accelerating will be a key
individual values of human agents and the social values
variable of the simulation. The optimisation will relate to
that these technologies aim to promote. One example is the
energy use and safety, both of individual vehicles and of
conflict between autonomy, privacy and control on the one
multiple vehicles on a highway. It is estimated that hybrid
hand, and sustainability and safety on the other.
passenger cars and trucks can save up to 25% of their
Is a persuasive strategy morally justified if it leads to
energy use if users follow optimised acceleration and brake
socially desired behaviour, even if it interferes with or
trajectories. This also requires users to transfer fully their
even sacrifices the user’s autonomy to some extent? How
control when braking to the truck’s technical system.
can persuasion be distinguished from manipulation or
coercion? How does persuasive technology affect the user’s
responsibility? The distribution of responsibility between
the designer and user seems to be of a different nature
here: if a PT fails to persuade its user, who is responsible for
possible negative consequences?
Values, conflicts in values & culture
Introduction
LON G
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Responsible innovation in
food technology:SHORT
about TER M
the intricate web of soft
impacts, (ir)responsibilities,
and mutual lack of trust
Prof. dr. T.E. (Tsjalling) Swierstra
Problem definition
University of Twente, Faculty of Behavioral Sciences
Stakeholder dialogues on responsible innovation lack
Dr. H. (Hedwig) te Molder
attention for ethical/political impacts. How to dialogue
Wageningen University, Communication Strategies Group
about soft impacts, so that these gain access to research
agendas?
–– Prof. dr. ir. H. Gruppen
Approach
–– Prof. dr. ir. M. Kleerebezem
Public controversies regarding food innovation are analyzed
–– Drs. D.F. Haen
from the perspectives of discursive psychology and the
–– Drs. S. Middendorp
ethics of New and Emerging Science and Technologies
Valorisation panel
Innovations
–– Unilever Research
–– Therapeutic nutraceuticals
–– CSM Industry Solutions
–– Probiotics
–– Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Stichting Voedingscentrum
Nederland)
–– Netherlands Institute for Public Health and the Environment
(RIVM)
–– Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS)
–– Radboud University Nijmegen
–– Top Institute Food and Nutrition (TIFN)
Aim
–– Widening the range of impacts taken into account by
scientific and industry experts
–– Developing effective forms of science-society dialogue
about impacts of food technology
Problem definition
This diagnosis constitutes the starting point for our
Since the eighties, it has become generally accepted that
research: How to discuss about soft impacts, so that at least
responsible innovation cannot be left to the experts alone
some of these might gain access to the research agendas as
but requires a stakeholder dialogue. The prime goal of this
the hard impact subjects did four decades ago?
research proposal is to focus on the difficulties that cripple
the chances of success for these debates.
Research approach
The soft impacts problem manifests itself with particular
We hypothesise that the difficulties are threefold:
–– Experts and non-experts tend to have incommensurable
acuteness in the life sciences, as these touch issues with
highly-charged cultural, moral and political meanings
perceptions of the societal impacts of technological
directly: life and death, nature, humaneness, the inequality
innovation, especially in relation to soft impacts (cultural,
between technical haves and have-nots, and: food. This
moral and political impacts).
project will focus on the latter aspect.
–– There is systematic but not necessarily overt disagreement
between stakeholders on the attribution of responsibilities.
–– There is mistrust on both sides, mainly resulting from a lack
As a result of a convergence with nanotechnology, food
technologists anticipate exciting developments.
of attention for soft impacts that, by default,
New ingredients will be developed and better control
–– are denied by current risk assessment exercises.
over food properties might be gained thanks to new
modification techniques directed at the (nano scale) level of
The dialogue between technology and society is marred
individual molecules instead of at the (current) component
structurally by controversy about what kinds of impacts
level. In time, this might lead to the production of nutrients
should be taken seriously during technological innovation.
able to release biofunctionals in a targeted manner and
If scientists and citizens do not learn to co-deliberate about
to a more efficient use of materials in general. In another
soft issues, thus expanding the limits of public reason,
expected development, live microorganisms are ‘tamed’ into
‘responsible innovation’ is condemned to remain a half-
probiotics to, for example, enhance immune health, protect
cooked affair in life sciences, as will the successful societal
against infection and help combat obesity and diabetes.
embedding of related technologies.
Molecular techniques aim to make clinical trials less prone
to trial and error. Diagnosis-based applications may result in
personalised dietary supplements, thereby complementing
functional foods with therapeutic nutraceuticals.
To elaborate on our core question and objective, we will
consensus between experts and non-experts on how to
answer the following questions:
integrate soft impacts into the research agendas. We will
–– What kinds of hard and soft impacts have been put forward
in the Dutch debate since 1995 by citizens/NGOs?
also organise a stakeholder meeting using the preliminary
scenarios as input.
–– How do citizens/consumers construct distinctions between
hard and soft impacts, how are responsibilities distributed,
Research objective
and for what social purposes?
Our project aims to widen the range of impacts taken into
–– What kinds of impacts are distinguished by food
account by experts in both science and industry to open the
technologists and (how) do these relate to their R&D
way for critical reflection and help them pre-empt these
agenda?
concerns before they reappear as public resentment. This
–– How can one revise the parameters of public reason so that
concerns about soft impacts are no longer immediately
privatised and trust is based on mutual recognition of the
hard and soft impacts that should be taken into account?
–– What are (in)effective ways of opening up and stimulating
the science-society dialogue about the impacts of food
technology?
First, we provide an overview of ethical-technical
controversies, with an emphasis on how distinctions
between hard/soft are made and used in relation to trust
and responsibility. Second, we disclose hard and soft impacts
of functional food development as foreseen by leading
food scientists. We will design a set of preliminary technomoral scenarios that explore the interaction between
technical and cultural/moral/political developments. Third,
an international seminar on deliberating soft impacts of
technology will refine and evaluate the existing scientific
contribution of the projects in relation to international
developments. Fourth, we will investigate an overlapping
includes reflecting on the issue of who is responsible for
signalling and managing soft concerns.
Governance
Introduction
LON G
Biosecurity and
dual use research
SHORT
TER M
T ER M
Prof. Seumas Miller
Project description
TU Delft / 3TU.Centre for Ethics and Technology
The attacks of 9-11-2001 and the incident with anthrax
letters of a few weeks later had great impact on the life
sciences.
Many pathogens that are important in medical, biological
–– Dr. Koos van der Bruggen, post-doc
and agricultural research can be used for developing
–– Dr. Michael Selgelid, post-doc
biological weapons. This implies the risk that research
in one of the most innovative and promising fields of
science can be misused for acts of terror as well as acts
Valorisation panel
–– Ministry of Defense/ Ressort Defense Research &
Development
–– Ministry of Agriculture, Direction Food Quality and Animal
Health
–– Ministry of Health Care
–– Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Direction
Research and Science Policy
–– Office National Anti-Terrorism
–– Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences,
Biossecurity Working Group
–– Crucell Holland BV
–– TNO Defence, Security and Safety
–– Malsch Techno Evaluation
by malevolent state actors. To describe and analyse this
situation a new concept was introduced in the life sciences:
dual use research. This project will create more clarity
on the scope of dual use issues and the best regulatory
frameworks to deal with them (morally acceptable, but also
politically and scientifically feasible) in the Dutch context.
Problem definition and research questions
Dual use refers to research that, based on current
The attacks of 9-11-2001 and the incident with anthrax
understanding, can be reasonably anticipated to provide
letters of a few weeks later highlighted the issue of bio-
knowledge, products or technologies that could be
terrorism, and bio-security more generally. Subsequently,
directly misapplied by others to pose a threat to public
governments, security experts and scientists in the
health, agriculture, plants, animals, the environment or
US, Europe and elsewhere have sought to gain an
material. Discussions on dual use research in scientific and
understanding of, and frame policy in relation to, the
governmental circles show that the new concepts and
so-called dual use dilemma in the life sciences. The dilemma
the policy that is based upon it, are not always clear and
arises because the results of scientific research can be
undisputed. In this project the following questions will be
used for harmful as well as beneficial purposes. Pathogens
treated pertaining to the dual use concept in life sciences
that are important in medical, biological and agricultural
research can be used for developing biological weapons. So
there is a risk that research in one of the most innovative
and promising fields of science can be deployed by bioterrorists or malevolent state actors seeking to engage in
bio-warfare.
and in society:
–– What is the concept of dual use and what is the scope of
dual use issues, e.g. what are the experiments of concern
and why?
–– What is – from a moral point of view – a realizable and
acceptable policy in dealing with dual use issues?
–– What regulatory framework should be put in place to deal
with dual use issues; one that is morally acceptable, but also
politically and scientifically feasible?
Aim of the project
1.Developing an acceptable, adequate and applicable
Expected outcomes
The results will be translated in conclusions and
definition of the dual use concept for researchers,
recommendations for science and politics. This regards
universities, companies and policy makers.
issues as: who should decide on the qualification of a
2.Describing and analysing moral and political
research project as dual use? What are the implications?
implications of coping with dual use research in order
Which oversight measures and regulatory frameworks are
to develop policy guidelines that are applicable and
desirable or feasible?
acceptable for science and government use.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
–– Life scientists will be involved in this project to provide
information on developments in the life sciences and on
biological weapons.
–– Social scientists are involved for analyzing the social and
political environment of the dual use issue. A social scientist
will do much of the research for the answering of part 1
of the problem. He will also be involved in developing the
proposed regulatory framework.
–– For the humanities there is the task of describing, analyzing
and judging the normative implications of dual use research
policy, as described in the second aim of this proposal.
Governance
Introduction
LON G
New modes of
governing
pharmacovigilance
TE R M
SHORT
TER M
Dr. E.H.M. (Ellen) Moors
Problem definition
Need for fast drug innovation and public demand for risk-
Department of Innovation & Environmental Studies
free drugs create governance dilemma in balancing safety
and efficacy: rapid market access conflicts with uncertainty
about benefit/risk profiles of new drugs
–– Dr. W.P.C. Boon
–– Dr. A.J. Meijer
Approach
–– Prof. dr. H. Schellekens
Studying short-comings in present post-marketing
–– Dr. L.L.E. Bolt
surveillance arrangements (=pharmacovigilance) building
upon governance and innovation studies. Focus is on
conditionally approvals: drugs granted early market access
Valorisation panel
–– Medicine Evaluation Board (College ter Beoordeling van
Geneesmiddelen)
–– Ministry of Health (Ministerie VWS)
–– Rathenau Institute, Technology Assessment Department
–– Member of the Dutch Senate and physician
–– Member of the Dutch Senate and professor in management
of health organisations
–– Dutch Genetic Alliance (VSOP)
–– Dutch federation of cancer patient organisations (NFK)
–– Patiënten Academie Den Haag
–– WHO - Uppsala Monitoring Centre
–– Innovative pharmaceutical industry representative Nefarma
–– Technology Foundation STW
Aim
1.Re-development of governance arrangements for
pharmacovigilance
2. Stimulating collective action into direction of
responsible drug innovation
3. Policy relevance: institutional design guidelines
The need for fast innovation in drugs and the public
governance of post-marketing surveillance of conditional
demand for risk-free drugs create a dilemma for regulatory
approvals to evaluate whether this leads to responsible
authorities regarding balancing safety and efficacy:
innovation, taking interesting cases of conditional
rapid market access is in conflict with uncertainty about
approvals of pharmaceuticals as a given. Accordingly, we
new drugs’ benefit/risk profiles. Legal frameworks have
have formulated the following research question: How can
been developed for post-marketing surveillance, or
new modes of governing pharmacovigilance contribute to
pharmacovigilance, but resulting practices are not in line
responsible pharmaceutical innovation?
with the intentions underlying these forms of regulation.
In the current pharmacovigilance system there are few
This project borrows its theoretical background from two
incentives for stakeholders to report adverse effects, as only
strands of thinking about regulation and innovation. Firstly,
a small fraction is actually reported. Bureaucratic procedures
the conceptualisation of post-marketing surveillance as
interfere with the busy daily practices of physicians, nurses,
a crucial element in the process of innovation is based
etc. There is a governance problem: present arrangements
on theories in the field of innovation studies. Secondly,
for stimulating collective action towards responsible
ideas about new forms of regulation are adopted from
pharmaceutical innovation fall short.
the growing field of governance studies. The basis for this
design-oriented research is qualitative and quantitative
Research approach
research involving significant input from stakeholders. It
There is a widely-supported need for responsible drug
consists of three parts:
innovation. Indications include the policy emphasis on
1) empirical research,
developing so-called priority medicines for patient groups
2) validation and design, and
with rare diseases, in the developing countries, seniors and
3) valorisation.
children. The European Union and the US Food and Drug
Administration are attempting to contribute to responsible
The validity of the research output, i.e. the institutional
drug innovation by enabling early market introduction
design guidelines, will be tested in a series of workshops
of drugs that satisfy an ‘unmet medical need’ and grant
with stakeholders and experts with alpha, beta and gamma
‘conditional’ respectively ‘accelerated’ approvals. This
backgrounds.
measure certainly speeds up the innovation process, but
the resulting safety and efficacy are questioned, and are in
need of better governance of post-marketing surveillance
(pharmacovigilance). This short-term project will focus on
With regard to the qualitative research component, we will
Research objective
consider the following three case studies.
This short-term project contributes to the (re)development
The (conditional) approvals of:
of a governance arrangement for pharmacovigilance. We
1) HIV medicines,
will focus on conditional approvals as these approvals
2) flu vaccines (e.g. H1N1 flu versus seasonal flu),
represent the most advanced practices of pharmaceutical
3) cancer treatments.
innovation. Within these advanced practices, we want to
This subdivision is in line with the categories the European
investigate the balance between drug innovation and the
Medicines Agency (EMEA) uses for conditional market
public demand for risk-free drugs in order to learn lessons
approval:
for future pharmacovigilance systems in general.
a) seriously-debilitating or life-threatening diseases (HIV),
b) medicines used in emergency situations (flu pandemic) The policy relevance is to design a coherent set of
governance arrangement proposals of pharmacovigilance
and
c) medicines designated as orphan drugs (various cancer
to increase ‘responsible innovativeness’ in the form of
enhancing public safety and satisfying ‘unmet medical
drugs).
needs’. This project contributes to the broader theme of
New modes of governance raise ethical questions
responsible innovation by combining knowledge from
concerning the balance between the speed of market
technological domains, i.e. conditionally approved drugs,
introduction and the guarantees for safety, the principle
with social and ethical knowledge. This project challenges
of informed consent, and the moral responsibility of the
the traditional focus on pre-market introduction innovation
stakeholders. Considering the conflicts of interest, how can
and proposes that a focus on governance will enhance
the pharmaceutical industry support pharmacovigilance in a
the understanding of innovation processes after market
way that is morally responsible? What is an acceptable risk-
introduction.
benefit ratio, which moral and non-moral values should be
used, and who should decide on the standards to be used?
The design-oriented research requires strong cooperation
The ethical analysis includes equity, social solidarity and
between beta, gamma and alpha researchers. Interactions
moral responsibility issues regarding accelerated approvals.
between the researchers, the valorisation panel and
These ethical issues are directly relevant for designing new
international experts create opportunities to discuss the
modes of governance.
various disciplinary approaches.
Internationalisation & equity
Introduction
Technology &
human development –
a capability approach
LON G
SHORT
TER M
TER M
Prof. M.J. (Jeroen) van den Hoven
Project description
TU Delft / 3TU.Centre for Ethics and Technology
If we define poverty reduction and development not as
growth in (national) income, but in terms of expanding
valuable human capabilities or freedoms, as Nussbaum and
–– Prof. Prabhu Kandachar, TU Delft / Industrial Design
Engineering
–– Dr. Monto Mani, Indian Institute of Science / Centre for
Sen do, what implications does this have for our thinking
and practices concerning technology and design? Cases are
taken from three areas: ICTs, healthcare/medical technology
and sustainable human settlements
Sustainable Technologies
–– Ilse Oosterlaken, TU Delft / 3TU.Centre for Ethics and
Technology
Expected output
–– Vikram Parmar, TU Delft / Industrial Design Engineering
Recommendations to improve our methods and practices of
–– 2 additional PhD students, one of whom in India (positions
(a) design and (b) technology assessment/evaluation for the
still vacant)
Valorisation panel
–– Development NGOs in India: Myrada, CEE
–– General Western development NGOs: ICCO, Stichting Oikos
–– Development NGOs specialised in technology: Practical
Action, IICD
–– Design companies/organisations: Philips BoP Office India,
Design Initiatief
–– Other: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Study Centre for
Technology Trends (STT)
Base-of-the Pyramid
Insect repellant lamp - an example of how
Technology to reach the poor - entering health
good design can alleviate poverty
information in hand-held computer
Problem definition
Those who want to reduce global poverty need to
Certain influential theories of distributive justice,
think more about how technology can be deployed for
fairness and equality, like that of John Rawls, discuss fair
expanding human capabilities. Although this may seem a
distribution in terms of shares of primary goods available
straightforward idea, the full implications are still to be
to people. The main criticism of these views by philosopher
pinpointed. The context of application for this project is
and Nobel laureate in economics Amartya Sen is that it is
innovation for the so-called ‘Base of the Pyramid’ (BoP), or
not the goods that are ultimately important, but what they
the poor in developing countries.
allow us to do and be and the kind of lives they enable
us to live. According to Sen’s approach, giving everyone
Project set-up
a laptop or some other piece of technology is no good in
The project has been divided into three strongly
and by itself. Some people will be able to make good use
interrelated projects, each with a different focus: (a)
of it and increase their level of functioning. Yet others who
theoretical and philosophical aspects, (b) the design phase
are perhaps illiterate or do not have access to reliable a
of new technologies, (c) the evaluation and/or assessment
power supply cannot possibly convert their possession of
of technologies in a development context. The last two
the technology into anything useful in their lives. Human
projects aim to trace the implications of the capability
functioning and capabilities are therefore at the centre of
approach throughout our methods and practices within
Sen’s work, referred to as the ‘capability approach’.
different phases of innovation. The project will make
extensive use of empirical research performed by others in
Although the capability approach has been widely adopted
technology and development (e.g. from disciplines such as
in development studies and other areas,
cultural anthropology). We will use case studies from three
the interrelations between the capability approach and
different areas: ICT, healthcare/medical technology and
technology have been barely looked at. This is remarkable,
sustainable human settlements.
since technology by definition aims at expanding some
capabilities. This research project will address these gaps
in knowledge by using the capability approach as a
critical conceptual framework for assessing, designing and
evaluating innovative technology for the world’s poor.
Those who are responsible for designing and introducing
technology in developing countries need to think more
about the way it affects the capabilities of the poor.
The life straw - an example of how good design
can alleviate poverty
Examples of case studies
Research objective
1. Rural ICT telecentres
In addition to theoretical insights and a number of case
Rural ICT telecentres are generally seen as empowering,
studies that illustrate their relevance in practice, the project
giving poor people access to information that they may
will lead to recommendations for improving our methods
use to gain greater control over their lives. All sorts of
and practices of (a) design and (b) technology assessment/
capabilities can be expanded in this way. Yet people often
evaluation for the Base of the Pyramid.
use the telecentres for other purposes, like entertainment.
On the one hand, money for development purposes is thus
Type of MVI project
invested in ICT projects that seem questionable in terms
This 5-year project falls under the MVI category ‘social
of the human capability expansion that NGOs intended.
and ethical background questions’. It will address the
On the other, we may need to respect the decision of the
implications of one normative theory about global justice
villagers on how to spend their time and how to use the
and development (namely the capability approach)
telecentres. ‘Agency freedom’ versus ‘wellbeing freedom’ –
for responsible innovation in the third world.
concepts from Sen’s version of the capability approach (CA)
– come into play here. Although the CA offers conceptual
tools for interpreting this situation, it is not immediately
clear how we should evaluate it and proceed.
2. Ultrasound technology for rural India
There are innovation projects that aim to simplify and
redesign ultrasound equipment so that uneducated rural
health workers in India and in China will be able to operate
it. In those countries there is, however, an important
downside to using this technology: ultrasound images
disclose whether a foetus is a girl (often unwanted) or a
boy, which often leads to abortions of female foetuses. Not
only should we examine how technology and capabilities
interact in this context, we must also investigate how design
may play a role as part of not only the problem,
but also the solution.
Internationalisation & equity
Introduction
New economic dynamics
in small producers’ clusters
in northern Vietnam
LON G
TER M
SHORT
Prof. dr. N. (Nigel) Roome
Associate Dean and Full Professor at TiasNimbas Business
School of Tilburg University/Academic Director of GLOBUS
Competence Center for Global Corporate Responsibility and
Governance
TER M
–– Vietnam chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI),
Intermediary organization
–– International Development Enterprises (IDE), Vietnamese
Development NGO
–– NUFFIC, Donor agency
–– Profound, Utrecht, the Netherlands, NGO/Consultancy
–– Cordaid, the Netherlands, NGO/MFO
–– Nguyen Thi Huong, Co-applicant and researcher, Hanoi
–– Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Development Cooperation, Dutch
government
University of Technology, Vietnam
–– Arie de Ruijter, Researcher, Faculty of Social and Behavioural
Sciences of Tilburg University
–– Gerard de Groot, PhD supervisor, researcher overall project
manager, IVO Tilburg University
–– Job de Haan, PhD supervisor and researcher, Faculty of
Economics and Business Administration, Tilburg University
–– Jaap Voeten, PhD Researcher and project coordinator, IVO
Problem definition
Demonstrated innovation in poor small producers’ clusters
in Vietnam; Is this responsible innovation? More specifically,
what institutional and incentive context enables small
producers’ clusters in northern Vietnam to innovate in a
responsible way, thus having a positive impact on poverty
Tilburg University
alleviation.
Valorisation panel
Approach
–– Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST),
Central authorities Vietnam
–– National Council for Science and Technology Policy in
Vietnam, Central authorities Vietnam
–– Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Hanoi Ha
Tay Province, Local authorities Vietnam
Poverty alleviation through responsible innovation =
Value creation + (positive) impact on people and planet +
appropriation by poor.
Four concrete cases of innovation: Bat Trang (Ceramics),
Van Phuc (Silk), Duong Lieu (Cassava candy) and Thanh Hoa
(Bamboo)
–– UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO),
UN-organization in Vietnam
–– UN International Labor Organization (ILO), UN-organization
in Vietnam
Aim
–– Clarification of concept of responsible innovation.
–– Measurement instrument to define responsible innovation.
–– Understanding the institutional context enabling.
responsible innovation for poverty alleviation.
Past research by the Development Research Institute (IVO)
Research approach
at Tilburg University illustrated innovation - as defined in
The research is framed in contemporary economic theories
economic theory - in ceramics, silk, candy and bamboo in
on innovations systems, evolutionary economic theory and
poor small producers’ clusters in Vietnam. While the cases
new institutional economics combined with insights from
showed that small producers in these poor communities
sustainable development, corporate social responsibility
could be innovative, the question arises as to whether the
(people planet profit). As a result, it necessitates the
innovations offer perspectives for alleviating poverty from a
involvement of expertise in cultural anthropology (⍺)
broader societal and ethical perspective?
technology/science (β) and development economics (γ).
This NWO-MVI research project builds on the research
With regard to concept and measurement, the research
outcome by exploring the potential importance of
team acknowledges two basic elements of poverty
these specific technological cases for reducing poverty
alleviation in the context of responsible innovation:
in developing countries and therefore addresses the
question as to whether the innovations could be labelled
as ‘responsible innovations’. The 3-year research aims (i)
–– (one-dimensional) Greater capability to increase income/
consumption (value - profit);
–– (multidimensional) An improvement in living conditions
to understand the concept of ‘responsible innovation’ and
(freedom, safety, environment, opportunity) to fulfil basic
its valorisation in small producers’ clusters in northern
needs (People, Planet).
Vietnam, (ii) to explain the multi-level institutional
framework enabling and facilitating the small producers to
The team will develop a ‘responsible innovation’ definition
innovate, and (iii) to assess how the institutional framework
and assessment instrument based on the existing IVO
interacts with small producers’ economic behaviour through
innovation definition combined with the 3Ps concept and
incentives.
the notion of responsibility in the local context in Vietnam.
Criteria and threshold values are essential for assessing the
The overall research question is:
abovementioned ‘profit’ that reduces poverty, ‘people’ and
Which institutions and institutional context (i.e. which
‘planet’ in both quantitative and qualitative terms. Surveys
incentives) enabled small producers’ clusters in northern
will focus on quantitative aspects of responsible innovation,
Vietnam to innovate in a responsible way and thus have a
institutions and incentives with a particular emphasis on
positive impact on the alleviation of poverty?
poverty, value created, and the distribution of value.
Better quality, larger volumes
Concrete technology cases of innovation within of small
Outcomes of the research
producers’ clusters in northern Vietnam will serve as
The results of the proposed research with respect to
research subjects. Subsequently, IVO and the Vietnamese
understanding responsible innovation, institutions and
partner will conduct case studies and further qualitative
incentives in small producers’ clusters will include:
and quantitative data collection fieldwork in Vietnam.
–– Clarification of the concept of responsible innovation.
The concrete technological cases include:
–– Development of a measurement instrument to define
–– Bat Trang village: a traditional ceramics village
–– Duong Lieu village: a cassava starch and noodleproducing cluster
responsible innovation with a particular reference to
poverty alleviation.
–– Analysis of the institutional context and incentive system
–– Van Phuc village: a traditional silk craft village
enabling responsible innovation for poverty alleviation in
–– Quang Hoa pre-processing workshops for small bamboo
developing countries.
producers’ clusters.
The project team supported by the valorisation panel
suggests the following results will be relevant for the
A valorisation panel has been established to assure the
design and ‘make’ perspective for applications by potential
practical application and utility of the research outcomes.
users such as governments, intermediary organisations or
The valorisation panel members represent central and
NGOs promoting private sector development in developing
local Vietnamese authorities, development practitioners
countries as a way of reducing poverty:
of Vietnamese and international NGOs, UN organisations
and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Development
Cooperation involved in small business development,
technology, international value chains and poverty
alleviation programmes.
–– Recommendation for policies and institutional
arrangements to reduce poverty through responsible
innovation promotion programmes and projects.
–– Institutional and innovation assessment instrument for
practitioners and applied research.
–– The understanding of the science/technology role for the
context of small producers in developing countries.
–– Ideas for incentives to be taken up and translated
into actions by the development community (NGOs,
practitioners, multilateral donors) to actually promote
responsible innovation as a poverty-alleviation approach in
developing countries.
Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
Responsible Innovation
Maatschappelijk Verantwoord Innoveren (MVI)
Visiting address
Laan van Nieuw Oost Indië 300
The Hague
Postal address
P.O. Box 93425
2509 AK The Hague
The Netherlands
Telephone +31 (0)70 3440 806
E-mail mvi@nwo.nl
Website www.nwo.nl/responsible-innovation
The Hague, Spring 2010
Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research

Responsible Innovation

Transcription

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