The tools presented on this website are useful to assess the societal and ethical impact at various phases of the innovation process, when developing the research question, when considering design requirements, and during implementation. Applying these tools throughout the innovation process allows for a continuous assessment of the ethical and societal impact from the beginning in an integrated and parallel manner – an approach that we also call Ethical Parallel Trajectory. Tracks in use multiple tools along the research and innovation process.
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Question tools:
Scenario’s
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EXAMPLES:
QoroNano
In a small project, the Saxion research groups Ethics & Technology and Applied Nanotechnology reflected with the company ECsens on the ethical implications surrounding their innovation and implementation of the QoroNano rapid COVID-19 test. Various tools are applied to assess the impact. The ethical readiness check provided information on the goal and means of the innovation and pointed at potential side-effects such as risks with data storage. Scenarios are used to further explore the consequences of the broad implementation of this technology ranging from highly positive to rather negative outcomes. Finally, the stakeholder dialogue provides new insights into the various stakeholder perspectives – both present and future. For instance, the trade-off between profit and responsible innovation could potentially create an internal dilemma between the company and its shareholders.
LipoCoat
Medical devices often cause discomfort and increase infection risks. LipoCoat, a biotechnology company from Twente, tackles this by developing biocompatible and biologically inspired coatings for catheters. To explore ethical and societal challenges early in the innovation process, Saxion’s research groups Applied Nanotechnology and Ethics & Technology supported LipoCoat through ethical interventions. An ethical readiness check, stakeholder mapping, and scenario analysis revealed key tensions around health (infection reduction), cost (higher than standard products), and environment (sustainable coatings). Recommendations include justifying higher costs by showing health benefits, involving key stakeholders, improving user-friendliness, exploring sustainable materials and packaging, and engaging users for feedback. These steps help LipoCoat align its innovation with societal needs and ethical considerations.