D1.4 – Methodology and baseline on SSH inputs and impacts

For the topics covered by the six European task forces of INSTAR, not only technological issues and expertise are relevant for future standardisation processes and standards to be developed, but also dimensions covered by social sciences. Deliverable D1.4 – Methodology and baseline on SSH inputs and impacts describes methodologies for assessing Social Science and Humanities (SSH) inputs and impacts considering aspects of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). Starting from the review of the limited literature, a methodology to assess the impacts of the standardisation areas is to be covered by the six European task forces. A light version of the proposed method has been applied by conducting a survey among the experts active in the six European task forces, revealing several relevant insights. First, the experts see significant benefits by considering input from SSH in standardisation in the area of their European task forces, mainly related to political science, public administration, and law, even ahead of economics and management. Second, future standardisation processes will benefit from involving different stakeholders in future standardisation. Again, contributions from governmental organisations are highly appreciated. The various dimensions of RRI in standardisation processes are supported by experts who emphasise their transparency, inclusiveness, and anticipation of future standards impacts. Finally, the standards to be developed in the areas covered by the six European task forces are expected to contribute to interoperability, which is crucial for Information Technology (ICT), as well as trust and regulatory compliance. This underlines the relevance of input from governmental organisations as well as from political science and law to develop effective and efficient standards. Other societal impact dimensions, as well as specific benefits for organisations, particularly companies, are less expected. The answers have provided important new and consistent insights. They will be relevant for future standardisation activities in the six European task forces, as well as the following working packages of INSTAR. The deliverable concludes with a brief outlook.