How can you use research impact assessments to address social inequalities?

Le inequità sociali rappresentano un nodo critico nella trama sociale. Affrontarle non solo promuove la giustizia, ma contribuisce anche a costruire una società più coesa e inclusiva. È un impegno cruciale lavorare verso una realtà in cui ognuno abbia pari accesso a opportunità e risorse, indipendentemente dalla propria provenienza o identità.

3 facteurs : - Inégalités de l’accès aux droits existants - Politiques publiques à adapter - Soutiens spécifiques et ajustés à développer

I admire the potential of research impact assessments (RIA) to address social inequalities by systematically evaluating the societal implications of corporate activities. Social inequalities encompass disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and privileges among different groups. Through RIAs, companies can measure and mitigate the impact of their operations on marginalized communities, ensuring fair distribution of benefits. For instance, a technology firm could use RIAs to assess the accessibility of its products across diverse socioeconomic groups, identifying and rectifying potential biases in design or distribution that contribute to digital divides.

J'ajouterai la répartition inégale du partage, qu'elle qu'il soit : - intellectuel - infos - savoir - réseautage - richesse

Social inequalities is a question of ethic. If people don't have ethics, they can not refers to well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues.

it's important to spend some time of our life sharing experiences with NGO's , Stackeholders , to impact people in the site. People need mentors, exemples, people that believe them. Engaging in concrete action to bring confidence for those can not see the ligth it's essential to redress social inequalities. "Nothing about us without us"

For example, Microsoft, a multinational technology corporation committed to sustainability, conducts RIAs to examine the social implications of its operations. These assessments identify disparities, such as unequal access to technology, and inform targeted strategies to mitigate social inequalities. Microsoft's 'Tech for Social Impact' program, inspired by RIAs, provides technology and training to underserved communities, bridging the digital divide. By systematically evaluating the impact of corporate activities on diverse social groups, RIAs play a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity, promoting fair practices, and driving positive societal change.

RIA is important because it helps to identify effective strategies, policies and interventions to combat social inequalities. Additionally It provides framework and evidence-based information to effectively allocate resources, develop targeted interventions and advocate for change. It plays a key role in helping to address systemic problems that we face in our society and direct efforts towards equitable solutions for an inclusive space.

La importancia de de las investigaciones sociales para fomentar el conocimiento critico y la adecuacion de estrategias que fomenten el impacto del cambio social en las personas, en los grupos articulados y en las instituciones sociales que desarrollen metodologias que partan del interes y la cotidianidad de los distintos hombres y mujeres desde una persoectiva interrelacionadas.

We admire Microsoft's commitment to addressing social inequalities through RIAs. By integrating ethical considerations into their AI technologies, such as the Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics (FATE) framework, Microsoft aims to mitigate bias and ensure equitable outcomes. RIAs are crucial for addressing social inequalities as they provide a systematic approach to identify and rectify biases in algorithms, promoting fairness and social justice in various domains, including education, healthcare, and employment. This proactive use of RIAs aligns with a broader industry shift towards responsible AI practices, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI technologies.

Companies that prioritize the examination of social inequalities demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, organizations can boost employee morale, satisfaction, and productivity. Moreover, a rigorous verification process helps identify and dismantle systemic barriers, paving the way for a more equitable corporate culture

For instance, Google has implemented AI for Social Good initiatives, such as using machine learning to improve flood prediction in India, aiding disaster response efforts. Additionally, IBM has been committed to fairness and transparency in AI, exemplified by their AI Fairness 360 toolkit, which helps developers detect and mitigate bias in machine learning models. These companies demonstrate good practices by prioritizing diversity and inclusion in their AI development teams, conducting regular audits to assess algorithmic bias, and actively engaging with external stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing social inequalities through RIAs.

I strongly suggest Mark Reed's Research Impact Handbook that provides researchers with practical insights and strategies to maximize the societal relevance and influence of their work. Reed emphasizes the importance of engaging with various stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and effectively communicating research findings. By offering tangible advice and real-world examples, the handbook empowers researchers to create meaningful and lasting impacts beyond traditional academic realms. It serves as a catalyst for bridging the gap between research and the broader community, demonstrating the significance of making research meaningful and accessible to a wider audience.

One thing I have found helpful is community engagement and diversity of perspectives are essential. It is really to to focus on lived experience. Involving marginalised communities in research design and taking account of diverse backgrounds and cultural differences to enhance the effectiveness of the research is an essential part of this work. Finally , we should think about long-term evaluation and collaboration with stakeholders in order to ensure sustainable and inclusive solutions.