Ethics by design: Responsible research & innovation for AI in the food sector : Responsible Research & Innovation for AI in the Food Sector

Craigon, Peter J. and Jacobs, Naomi and Sacks, Justin and Wintour, Alexsis and Munday, Samuel and Kanza, Samantha and Frey, Jeremy and Pearson, Simon and Gutierrez, Anabel and Manning, Louise and Brewer, Steve (2023) Ethics by design: Responsible research & innovation for AI in the food sector : Responsible Research & Innovation for AI in the Food Sector. Journal of Responsible Technology, 13: 100051. ISSN 2666-6596

Abstract

Here we reflect on how a multi-disciplinary working group explored the ethical complexities of the use of new technologies for data sharing in the food supply chain. We used a three-part process of varied design methods, which included collaborative ideation and speculative scenario development, the creation of design fiction objects, and assessment using the Moral-IT deck, a card-based tool. We present, through the lens of the EPSRC’s Framework for Responsible Innovation how processes of anticipation, reflection, engagement and action built a plausible, fictional world in which a data trust uses artificial intelligence (AI) to support data sharing and decision-making across the food supply chain. This approach provides rich opportunities for considering ethical challenges to data sharing as part of a reflexive and engaged responsible innovation approach. We reflect on the value and potential of this approach as a method for engaged (co-)design and responsible innovation.