Responsible Innovation and

Food Irradiation

“Responsible innovation is innovation that aims

at satisfying needs and fulfilling aspirations

while respecting values and preserving

alternatives now and in the future”(Hilary Sutcliffe current working definition from Philippe Martin EC)

The deliberate focus of research and the products of innovation to achieve a social or environmental benefit.

Respecting social values and including the consistent, ongoing involvement of society, from beginning to end of the innovation process, including the public & non-governmental groups, who are themselves mindful of the public good.

Assessing and effectively prioritising social, ethical and environmental impacts, risks and opportunities, both now and in the future, alongside the technical and commercial.

Where oversight mechanisms are better able to anticipate and manage problems and opportunities and which are also able to adapt and respond quickly to changing knowledge and circumstances.

Where openness and transparency are an integral component of the research and innovation process.

What does that mean in practice?

Does it achieve a clear social benefit?

How do we quantify benefits effectively?

Fresher for longer - reduced food waste?

Elimination of food borne microorganisms - so safer food for everyone?

Economic benefits for consumers retailers, farmers?

Do we need a better assessment of benefit and risk against the alternatives?

Are risks, social impacts clear?

Concerns remain - how would they be addressed?

How are social risks assessed, evaluated and addressed?

Just because it’s safe, does’t mean it’s the best option - how do we evaluate it as a solution?

What is needed for stakeholder confidence in oversight?

Are oversight processes effective?

Why are some not confident? What can be done about that?

What is the process for ongoing monitoring?

Who pays?

The involvement of society

Has society’s views been heeded and acted upon?

How are they supposed to make sense of the information they see?

What has changed between the 70’s and now?

How can society become more involved?

Should they?

What is the learning on transparency?

Is it GM all over again?

What have we learned?

Is there a compelling reason to go back to society and ask properly

How do we be radically more open and transparent?