GRACE aimed to contribute to the EC objective of spreading and embedding Responsible Research and Innovation in the European Research Area through the development of a set of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) Grounding Actions (GAs) in six RFPOs leading to fundamental RRI-oriented institutional changes during the project. For each RFPO, the GAs have been incorporated in an 8-year long “Roadmap towards RRI” to set a solid platform for attaining further institutional changes during the ‘after GRACE’ 5 year of the roadmap. The project developed in a co-creating environment, via an intense mutual learning programme including the 6 partners implementing the GAs (implementing organisations) and the 4 partners assisting with their comprehensive expertise on RRI (co-operating organisations). A suited evaluation and impact assessment scheme was developed to oversee and monitor the project processes and impacts, applying MoRRI and SDGs indicators, and SwafS KPIs. The project consisted of 1, the Preparatory phase (M1-M10) designing the GAs and defining the six Roadmaps for the implementing organizations; 2, the Development and mutual learning phase (M11-M34) where the GAs was implemented; and 3, the Stocktaking phase (M30-M36) ensuring the long-term (after the project) sustainability of GAs and the preparation of a Guidance to support the implementing organization to successfully pursue the work outlined in the Roadmaps. A well-substantiated management system and set of communication / dissemination activities ensured smooth project implementation. GRACE was composed of 8 WPs: WP1 Ethics; WP2 Management; WP3 Governance and mutual learning; WP4-5-6 GAs related to citizen engagement in science, science education and open access, and gender equality, research ethics and integrity, respectively; WP7 Evaluation and Impact Assessment of GAs; WP8 Outreach, communication, dissemination and exploitation. The project involves 10 partners from 9 EC member states.

What is in it for the Western Balkans?

The key exploitable outcome is the self-reflection tool: http://grace-rri.eu/reflection-tool-2/ which can be used by research funding and performing organisations in the region.

Grant agreement ID: 824521
DOI10.3030/824521