Ethical and social issues in research and technology development

As Latin-American (LATAM) countries advance in research and technology development, it becomes imperative to integrate ethical and social concerns into their innovation processes. Several frameworks have addressed these concerns, including ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI), responsible research and innovation (RRI), and responsible innovation (RI). However, the discourse surrounding these ethically and socially driven frameworks has been criticized for often neglecting the unique contexts of developing countries. This chapter explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of responsibility-driven research and innovation in the LATAM region. We begin with an overview of the global literature incorporating ELSI, RRI, and RI frameworks. Next, we examine the characteristics and contexts of developing countries. Finally, we propose a conceptual model for adopting ethically and socially driven frameworks tailored to the LATAM region. Our findings emphasize the importance of adopting adaptive and flexible frameworks that align with the unique realities of the LATAM region as it pursues inclusive and sustainable societies. © 2025 Alfonso Avila-Robinson, Shuto Miyashita and Shintaro Sengoku. Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.