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Paper short abstract:

The presentation will address the problem of creating the conditions for reflexive and responsible governance of technology and innovation in indigenous contexts. It will share the results from a recent work with the Long Lamai community in Borneo, Malaysia.

Paper long abstract:

The presentation will focus on the problems, prospects and hopes for responsible innovation in a specific cultural context, very different from the European in which the concept of RRI has emerged. It will present the results from a recent work with the Long Lamai community in Borneo, Malaysia. It will address the problem of creating the conditions for reflexive and responsible governance of technology and innovation with and for the indigenous community. It will explore issues such as: how to go beyond the existing "ICT for development" approach; how to complement the efforts of local promoters of modernization (government, universities) with a more reflexive stance on their activities; and most importantly, how in the interaction with the indigenous community to elaborate the means and tools for them to be able to address their own developmental needs. Crucial aspect of this process is the reordering of the relations with the indigenous people so that they do not absorb unquestionably any techno-based model of development but be empowered to re-invent their own alternative of modernity through meaningful participation. Thus they could "steer" technology and innovation in preserving and protecting their unique traditions, customs, knowledge and lives in a highly aggressive and penetrating market environment, which very quickly dissolves values, virtues, cultures and gradually destroys their natural home - the jungle. A responsible innovation approach could help them in finding the means to shape their future in connection with the past and "indigenize" the inevitable process of modernization.