The Importance of the Common Good in Ethical Assessment of Research and Innovation according to CWA 17145-2:2017

by Oliviero Casale

The CWA 17145-2:2017 document is a pivotal reference for those engaged in the field of research and innovation, as it provides a detailed methodology for analyzing and managing the ethical impacts associated with R&I projects. One of the most innovative and crucial aspects of this methodology is its focus on the "common good," a guiding principle in the ethical impact assessment of research and innovation activities.

The Threshold Analysis Questionnaire for Ethical Impact

The focus on the common good in CWA 17145-2:2017 is particularly evident in the threshold analysis questionnaire, a tool designed to preemptively identify significant ethical issues that an R&I project might raise. This questionnaire is especially relevant because it asks specific questions about the potential impacts of research and innovation activities on the well-being of individuals or groups and on cultural heritage, central elements of the common good concept.

Implications of the Common Good in Research and Innovation

The specific question about the "common good" in the questionnaire aims to stimulate critical reflection on how R&I projects might affect not only the direct recipients of the technology or product being developed but also the broader community and the cultural and social environment in which such projects are implemented. The inclusion of this question highlights an important recognition: research and innovation must be responsible not only in terms of tangible outcomes but also regarding their ethical and social impact.

Assessment and Management of Impacts

Through threshold analysis, R&I project organizers can determine if there are ethical concerns serious enough to require more detailed evaluation. If responses to the questionnaire indicate potential negative impacts on the common good, a comprehensive ethical impact assessment is necessary. This process not only helps prevent potential harms but also promotes the development of projects that have a positive impact on society as a whole.

The Role of the Common Good in Responsible Research

Integrating consideration of the common good into ethical assessment is crucial to ensure that research and innovation develop in ways that respect and promote society's universal values. This approach is particularly relevant in an era where technology and innovation advance at unprecedented rates, with the ability to radically transform not just economies and industries but also the social and cultural fabric.

Conclusions: CWA 17145-2:2017 represents a significant step toward a more holistic and responsible approach to ethics management in research and innovation. Through its commitment to evaluating impacts on the common good, the document underscores the importance of research that is not only innovative but also inclusive and beneficial to the entire society. This methodology provides innovators and researchers with the tools to anticipate and responsibly manage the effects of their discoveries and developments, ensuring that technological progress occurs in harmony with both collective and individual well-being.toward a more holistic and responsible approach to ethics management in research and innovation. Through its commitment to evaluating impacts on the common good, the document underscores the importance of research that is not only innovative but also inclusive and beneficial to the entire society. This methodology provides innovators and researchers with the tools to anticipate and responsibly manage the effects of their discoveries and developments, ensuring that technological progress occurs in harmony with both collective and individual well-being.

Source: CWA 17145-2:2017 Ethics assessment for research and innovation - Part 2: Ethical impact assessment framework