While integrated research is generally regarded as a suitable approach for responsible innovation and technology development, the challenges of integrative development are manifold and include epistemic, methodological, communicative and structural aspects. This complexity clearly shows that a systematic approach is needed to develop tools that not only support development in terms of content, but also have the potential to anchor non-technical aspects in the development process.
To date, systematic research on such tools for integrated research has been lacking and the potential of digital tools has not been fully realized. The ANKER project addresses this gap. It investigates, develops and communicates tools that can serve as "anchor objects" in order to anchor the transdisciplinary negotiation of ethical questions in the heterogeneous forms of knowledge, practices and contexts of the participants as well as in social discourse. From the broad spectrum of integrated research topics, the project focuses on the inclusion of ethical aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and innovation projects.
Specifically, the project pursues a multi-stage approach: it first examines, theoretically and empirically, which characteristics tools must have so that ethical considerations can be effectively anchored in AI development processes. Based on the insights gained, the project team is developing digital tools that are designed to anchor the inclusion of AI ethical aspects. These tools not only aim to provide practicable solutions, but are also intended to serve as a bridge to promote transdisciplinary discussions and negotiations in the field of artificial intelligence between the different forms of knowledge, practices and contexts of the actors involved.
In this context, the integrated research approach plays a key role. Not only are participants in integrative research and development projects the target group of the project, but integrated research is also practiced by the interdisciplinary team (ethics, sociology and computer science) in the project itself.
The aim of the project is to develop a sound understanding of the needs and requirements for tools that effectively anchor ethical considerations in AI development and other areas of integrated research. The tools developed shall not only offer practicable solutions, but also be communicated and optimized together with other project results within the framework of an Open Tools Lab. The lab serves as a platform to support a broad application of the tools and to promote the discussion of ethical aspects in AI development in an open and collaborative environment.