In recent years, discussions on Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) have become an essential theme of science and technology policy and a better ecosystem for knowledge production. For this reason, this special issue aims to provide a showcase to look at the current discussions on ELSI and RRI in Japan. Although it is impossible to present the entire body of research related to ELSI and RRI in Japan, the seven articles presented here can provide a sketch of the discussions that have already begun and the ways in which various actors are involved. One of the features of this special issue is the contributions from scientists and engineers in the field of research and development, as well as reports of joint research results with the private sector. I believe that the readers will be able to sense the expansion of those involved and the budding of a new movement beyond the past discussions on the ELSI and RRI.

This paper provides an overview of the outline and current status of automated driving (AD) technology, and presents possible future issues for ELSI of that.

First, an overview of AD, the background for social implementation, the aims, and the current status of social implementation is presented.

Next, two reports on the ethics of AD published in Europe are introduced.

Based on the above, several future issues are presented. First, I review the "E," "L," and "S" aspects of AD on responsibilities in an accident. Then, I hold that it is necessary not only to make adjustments for the acceptance of AD into society, but also to consider the necessity of its acceptance. Furthermore, I hold that the ELSI study of AD will lead to a reexamination of the automobile transportation system. Finally, I introduce a research project in Japan that are working on the ELSI of AD.

Introduction of new technology to our society involves risks and uncertainties. They may go unnoticed at the first instance, but would be revealed if an incident or accident concerning the technology brings about irreparable and undesirable change(s) to the society. To prevent this, deliberative initiatives involving various stakeholders, especially citizens, are critical. A social experiment, which is a trial to introduce new technology into a limited section of the society and obtain feedbacks from the stakeholders involved, is one such initiative. To obtain invaluable knowledge about the technology while protecting the society from its negative consequence(s), however, serious thoughts should be given when the experiment is conducted. In this paper, we discuss some such issues to be considered as ELSI of a social experiment. To make use of a social experiment as an effective means of public participation, it needs be designed and practiced to overcome one's structurally imposed ignorance.

The Research Center on Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI) at Osaka University and mercari R4D started a practical joint research project in 2021 to innovate based on the concept of ELSI and responsible research and innovation (RRI). This paper describes the research and practice conducted in this joint project on (A) upgrading the ethics review process for research and development, (B) assessing AI-based solution technologies and strengthening AI governance, and (C) conducting a feasibility study for participatory technology assessment on quantum technology, respectively. In this paper, we illustrate the methods and processes of this project, as well as the results of these individual studies, and share critical reflections on the ELSI/RRI knowledge production processes from the perspectives of both ELSI researchers and members of the private sector. Our results provide evidence of the contribution to innovation governance in science and technology from ELSI/RRI research and the knowledge of the humanities and social sciences.

Nowadays, businesses that utilize increasingly varied and large-scale data are growing on a global scale. New technologies for data acquisition and analysis are changing at an extremely rapid pace and being implemented in society. In business, where understanding and trust from users and citizens are essential, ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues) framework, which deals with all issues other than technical aspects in a segmented manner, is attracting increasing attention.

This paper introduces the results of joint research conducted by Dentsu Inc. and Osaka University, Research Center on ELSI as a practical example of ELSI initiative in the data business. First, as a background of the joint research, we discuss why ELSI is required in the data business, and present the current status and future prospects based on the results of the jointly conducted research. Then, the problems of conventional ELSI are reviewed, especially those related to "consent" are pointed out. As an example of ELSI implementation through industry-academia co-creation, the case of LBMA Japan, a location-based information industry organization, will be discussed. Based on the above, we will look at the future of ELSI initiative from the two perspectives of incorporating ELSI into the development process and human resource development.

In an interdisciplinary field of molecular robotics, there have been efforts for ELSI consideration by basic science researchers since its early stage. After reviewing backgrounds that led to these efforts and activities conducted to date, we report on dialogues held after 2020. One is that with some farmers regarding ELSI that could be brought about by molecular robots and another is that at a science museum to co-create the future vision of molecular robots with the public. Findings from the above activities will be utilized in formulation of research guidelines by the research community. How to pass on these findings from the basic science researchers who are not in charge of application to developers in social implementation is a remaining issue. We will continue the above-mentioned activities with the aim of establishing a methodology that will serve as a model case widely applicable to advanced science and technologies.

Research integrity is the basis of scientific research practice. These days excessively competitive research environment has generated a negative impact on scientific research including the prevalence of superficial science and research misconduct. Research misconduct does cause serious damage not only to research activity but also to social activity, such as medical care and developing human resources. We could promote research integrity in two integral directions; the researchers' sincere attitude and the system in which reliable science is encouraged. In the former direction, researchers should revisit the significance of the Mertonian norms (CUDOS; Communism, Universalism, Disinterestedness, and Organized Skepticism), which represent how researchers should put the self-correction of science into practice. In the latter direction, the scientific community should consolidate the system, such as education of science history, recognition of the significance of slow science, encouragement of open science, placement of research integrity advisers, and fulfilling institutional supports.

With the great development of science and technology, Ethical, Legal and Social Implications, which addresses the social aspects of S&T, has been becoming more important and expanding in S&T policy. The concept of "comprehensive knowledge" was introduced in the 6th Science and Technology Innovation Basic Plan. ELSI has an affinity with it because ELSI is a main research subject of humanities and social sciences. In this paper, the author describes the current issues regarding ELSI in life sciences and discusses the trends of ELSI in the AI and IT. Also, he explains that the economic security is the range of ELSI. In addition, taking COVID-19, he points out that scientific advice from experts may not have been given properly to the Government and that Scientific advice is also within the scope of ELSI. He discusses who should give scientific advice and what kind of organization should be in charge.

This study analyzed the meaning and penetration rate of DX concept in the business world to address the problem that the meaning of present DX concept is noticed only in the definition advocated by the originator of DX concept such as governments and think tanks.

A metric text analysis of annual reports from 2019 to 2021, issued by 158 companies picked up from the Nikkei index, was conducted.

The results show that 147 companies, or 93% of the total, mention DX, and moreover, the number of companies mentioning DX is increasing year by year.

In addition to the fact that the DX concept has been interpreted in a variety of ways, we have shown that the training of personnel for DX has increased over the years compared to other mentions.

Finally, this study showed the possibility of leading to the theoretical development of "Sense Making" and "Management Fashion".

Promoting research ethics and integrity education attracts worldwide attention in response to research misconduct cases. However, such efforts vary greatly between countries, and Japan, which is behind in its efforts, may benefit from learning from an experienced country. This article reviewed the institutionalization process of instruction in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) in American universities since the 1980s by analyzing related literature. It then examined how the view of RCR education changed over time, and what factors drove those changes. The findings demonstrated that the institutionalization process of RCR instruction was one in which reform paths sought to integrate RCR instruction into everyday activities in universities. Recommendations by the Academies and some scientists' efforts influenced the direction of reform by infusing the true meaning of RCR into instruction with a strong compliance character. Ultimately, the reform aims to transform the entire research environment, including deeply embedded goals and values.