The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Responsible Research and Innovation Discussed at HSE University
On March 26, 2025, the School of Philosophy and Cultural Studies at HSE University hosted an open discussion on «Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance the Responsible Research and Innovation Framework» (RRI).» organized by Alexander Mikhailovsky. The event was part of the seminar "Artificial Intelligence in the Human World: Humanistic, Ethical, and Legal Aspects of Digital Technology Development" and brought together leading researchers from Russia, China, and Europe.
The key topic of discussion was how AI can serve not only as an object of ethical regulation but also as a tool for advancing responsible research and innovation.
AI as a Tool for Responsible Science
Professor Wang Dazhou from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and professor Zhang Zhihui from the Institute for the history of natural sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences presented a concept for utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance ethical standards in science and technology. They proposed the "AI for AI" strategy, suggesting that artificial intelligence can function as a self-regulating tool, ensuring a balance between inclusivity and decision-making efficiency.
Trust, Security, and Responsibility
A crucial aspect of the discussion was public trust in AI. Alexandra Kasakova (University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) emphasized that algorithm transparency and public involvement in technology development play a key role in reducing concerns about artificial intelligence.
Alexey Durnev (ITMO University) addressed security issues, highlighting that modern AI models, given their high degree of autonomy, require new approaches to algorithm explainability and distributed responsibility. In this regard, ethical regulation must evolve in parallel with technological innovations.
Elena Trufanova (Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences) raised the issue of trust and responsibility boundaries. She noted that the growing reliance on AI in decision-making could lead to technocratization, where humans shift responsibility onto algorithms. According to her, the primary task of ethical expertise is to define the limits of AI autonomy in sensitive fields such as medicine, law, and environmental policy.
Philosophical and Social Aspects
The discussion also touched on a broader philosophical context. Oleg Gurov (GAUGN) pointed out that instead of focusing on human enhancement through AI, the emphasis is gradually shifting toward digital inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for vulnerable groups, particularly in education and healthcare.
Louis Vervoort (HSE University) presented a study on causal reasoning in AI, testing philosophical concepts on language models such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Gemini. He noted that modern AI systems already demonstrate the ability to analyze complex causal relationships, which may transform philosophical research approaches.
Vladimir Vetrov (IMEMO RAS, Institute of Philosophy, RAS) proposed a threefold role for AI: as an object of ethical regulation, as an example of responsible technology, and as a decision-making tool in science and innovation.
The discussion concluded with Alexander Mikhailovsky (HSE University), who explored the differences in AI approaches between Western and Eastern philosophical traditions. He argued that the political philosophy of AI has to consider the multipolar world and the diversity of social and ethical perspectives.
The discussion highlighted that AI development requires a comprehensive approach that integrates technical, philosophical, and social aspects. Participants agreed that AI could become not only a subject of ethical regulation but also a tool for its advancement, provided that transparency mechanisms, distributed responsibility, and public oversight are effectively implemented.