The ETHNA System and Support Tools

Abstract

The article deals with ethics governance systems in the field of research and innovation at the organisational level, both for organisations performing and funding research and innovation activities. In particular, it proposes and argues for a system called ETHNA System. Informed by a deliberative and participatory concept of ethics governance, as well as by the dimensions of responsibility in research and innovation – anticipation, inclusion, reflection and responsiveness – it proposes a modular design of ethics governance based on four mechanisms: a responsible research and innovation (RRI) Office(r); a Code of Ethics and Good Practices in research and innovation (R&I); an ethics committee on R&I and an ethics line. Moreover, to ensure continuous improvement, a system for monitoring the process and the achievement of results is provided. The system also offers specific details of the implementation process paying attention to four issues: research integrity, gender perspective, open access and public engagement.