GRACE lesson learnt 2: mobilising actors

Lessons learnt is a section emerging from the experience of the GRACE project’s Implementing Organisations. This content is based on knowledge gained during the implementation of their Grounding Actions, providing orientations for future actions. Initially designed for the project’s six partners, they can be useful for anyone developing an RRI project! 

The concept of RRI is not easy to explain and the terminology used is complex, making it difficult to communicate on RRI effectively. There is a need to define a clear communication approach and stakeholder engagement strategies, such as showcasing good examples of RRI application, promoting peer-to-peer communication, or focusing on the practical and participatory nature of RRI. 

Another difficulty met by RRI teams can be researchers’ lack of engagement on RRI-related issues, justified by a lack of time. It is important to develop specific activities focusing on them, using different kinds of means, such as tailored communication strategies, establishing incentives, promoting networking activities, or including RRI-related standards in the research process. 

The involvement of managers and leaders is also key, but it should be a differentiated and dynamic process fed through a set of activities and means tailored to the organisation’s features and even to the position of each manager.  

Administrative staff should be considered the primary ally of RRI. Engaging administrative staff entails the development of actions aimed at ensuring the cooperation of the relevant administrative units and the progressive shift of responsibilities from the RRI team to them.