Reihoo (France)

This chapter addresses a double set of issues: (1) research misconduct of persons and organisations directly engaged in the practice of scientific research and (2) responsible research, meaning activities of discovery and innovation respectful of wider societal values. These two topics are clearly intertwined; but they are not the same. Drawing on results of the European DEFORM Project, we clarify the distinction between, and the inter-relations of, these two concepts. To highlight misconduct relative to “internal” standards of good science, we look at the phenomenon of research fraud. Then we turn to the call for responsible innovation relative to contemporary ecological and societal challenges of sustainability. Although two domains engage distinct considerations of integrity and responsibility in society, we can link them with a broad vision of “social costs” provoked by non-responsible research, thus providing a unified framework for addressing quality assurance for science in society.

The financial crisis led to a deep crisis in the economic-organizations model as it has been widely known and shared for centuries. Organizations appear to be ill-fitted for the coming challenges and common citizens’ aspirations. The health sector is emblematic of this novel contest and, if able to offer answers, might become an organizational reference. However, the game is far from being won; the sector is, like others, at a crossroads as certain interests used to leverage the power of governmental regulation to protect their own economic strength might not yet be ready to evolve.