For rapidly evolving transformative technologies (TTs), situations and debates may change quickly from ones secluded within fundamental science, to attracting widespread public and political attention. Recent advancements in quantum computing (QC) and nuclear fusion technologies serve as key examples of this dynamic. In these cases, research advancements in areas such as clean energy, biomedicine, supply chains, communication or material science, suddenly raised alarm bells in terms of global security threats, infrastructure needs and power asymmetries, but regularly disappeared again from the public spotlight. A key question for current responsible innovation (RI) research, therefore, is how far one can – or should – move ‘upstream’ when democratizing TT pathways for inclusive and robust technologies.

This project develops a comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape responsibility in the very early, quasi-basic science stages. The goal is to create a model that explains when, how and to what extent RI concerns emerge and can be anticipated, and how to navigate such concerns to achieve desirable innovation outcomes. Using a mixed-methods research design that combines qualitative and quantitative methods the project compares two technologies with very different trajectories over the past half-century to gain generalizable insights into the determinants for far-upstream RI.

Understanding where, how and when mechanisms for responsible innovation research occur supports TransforM’s focus on promoting responsibility and legitimacy in transformative technologies and the research ecosystem.