EU-SPRI Annual Conference 2026 Questioning the contributions of Science and Innovation to Society

Date: 10 – 12 June 2026

Location: Valencia, Spain

Venue & Address: Universitat Politècnica de València, Edificio 8E, Acceso J – Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 – Valencia

Rapid technological change and the spread of radical innovations have heightened the interest in the effects on society of these changes. This departs from the dominant view in the 20th century which considered the results of scientific research and innovation to be, essentially, positive.

Research and innovation could produce undesired effects, but such could be identified, bounded, and addressed with specific policy interventions. In the main, however, scientific research and technological innovation were seen as positive forces for society.

Yet, some of the effects of the model of economic growth that has developed thanks to the diffusion of science-based new technologies have proved to be problematic.

Concern about such developments is progressively penetrating the formulation and implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policies. A set of interrelated policy strategies and objectives, broadly designated as the “normative turn” in STI policy, are triggering profound changes in science and innovation policies and practices.

This Conference will aim to reflect on these changes, describe their nature, analyse their implications, and discuss examples of changing approaches to research and innovation and their outcomes and impacts. Topics that can be addressed include, but are not limited to the following:

• Policy controversies and challenges

1. The “impact agenda”, directionality in research policy and their implications for research governance
2. Systemic policy interventions. How are they designed and implemented and what challenges do they pose to current policy institutions.
3. The challenges posed by equity, inclusivity, responsibility and accessibility considerations
4. Libertarian critique of science and innovation policies and scepticism about scientific advice
5. Regulatory controversies on issues like intellectual property rights, health & safety, technology controls, dual-use regulations, etc.

• The changing roles of STI actors

1. Engagement of broader communities in scientific research (citizen science, open science, public-private partnerships) and their implications on scientific priorities, practice, and relevance

• The economic, social, ethical and security implications of new technologies

1. Digital sovereignty and cybersecurity, including the challenges posed to critical infrastructures, and the relationship between security and data privacy.
2. Technological unemployment and the future of work, including the impact of automation and AI on job markets, and the design of policies to manage workforce transitions and skills development.
3. The ethical and security implications of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and blockchain technologies.
4. The implications of biotechnological advancements, personalized medicine, and health data management on public health systems and policies.