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 expertiseare relevant for future standardisation processes and standards to be developed, but also dimensionscovered by social sciences. Deliverable D1.4 – Methodology and baseline on SSH inputs and impactsdescribes methodologies for assessing Social Science and Humanities (SSH) inputs and impacts consideringaspects of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). Starting from the review of the limited literature, amethodology to assess the impacts of the standardisation areas is to be covered by the six European taskforces. A light version of the proposed method has been applied by conducting a survey among the expertsactive in the six European task forces, revealing several relevant insights. First, the experts see significantbenefits by considering input from SSH in standardisation in the area of their European task forces, mainlyrelated to political science, public administration, and law, even ahead of economics and management.Second, future standardisation processes will benefit from involving different stakeholders in futurestandardisation. Again, contributions from governmental organisations are highly appreciated. The variousdimensions of RRI in standardisation processes are supported by experts who emphasise theirtransparency, inclusiveness, and anticipation of future standards impacts. Finally, the standards to bedeveloped in the areas covered by the six European task forces are expected to contribute tointeroperability, which is crucial for Information Technology (ICT), as well as trust and regulatorycompliance. This underlines the relevance of input from governmental organisations as well as frompolitical science and law to develop effective and efficient standards. Other societal impact dimensions, aswell as specific benefits for organisations, particularly companies, are less expected. The answers haveprovided important new and consistent insights. They will be relevant for future standardisation activitiesin the six European task forces, as well as the following working packages of INSTAR. The deliverableconcludes with a brief outlook.