Responsible and Sustainable Innovation unit (KLA101)

Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

Emerging science and technology is creating complex issues for societies and their decision makers. Novel and disruptive innovations and technologies present significant policy, regulatory and ethical challenges, which if left unresolved, could constrain the potential for future science to deliver benefits to society. Researchers need to be able to distinguish between 'responsible research' (upstream standard operating procedures and ethics) and 'responsible innovation' (RI) which extends the research to include downstream stakeholders (produce consumers, retailers and those who provide product support).

This unit provides learners with resources to operationalise the Responsible Innovation (RI) concept into their own disciplines through developing their own views and stance on what it means to practice innovation responsibly. It equips learners with a basic knowledge of RI and specific implementation tools using a range of case studies and scenarios that explore the complexity of issues across the sciences in for example, agri-technology, marine science, molecular biology and science futures. Participants will be introduced to the various elements generally considered to be encompassed by RI including values and assumptions; rationale and motivations for RI; inclusive deliberation; evaluation of ideas and accounting for the intangible. By exploring contested issues in RI across different environmental, policy and societal contexts, the unit aims to help students develop their own personal insights on how to become a more deliberative RI 'practitioner'.

Summary

Unit name	Responsible and Sustainable Innovation
Unit code	KLA101
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline	Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator	Doctor Kamal Singh
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania and Third Party(ies):
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 2
Online	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe behaviours that underpin Responsible Innovation (RI) to support changes in industrial technologies and science.
• Explain values, motivations and assumptions in the design and/or use of industrial technologies and science futures
• Outline Responsible Innovation tools to support change in industrial technologies and science futures
• Describe the principles underpinning your approach to Responsible Innovation

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
050199	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$3,382.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Weekly workshops both on-line and face-to-face.  Asynchronous delivery of recorded lectures, activities, readings and other resources.
Assessment	Journal of Useful Ideas (15%)|PosterChecklist - Responsible Innovation Tool (20%)|Group Sense-making through Provocation and Reflective Practice (30%)|Case Study and Essay: Industrial Technologies or science futures and Social Licence to Operate(SLO) (35%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.