The Societal Impact of Security Research

The expression ‘societal impact’ refers in a general way to change brought about in society by a given action or activity. All research has a societal impact of one form or another. All research is carried out in society and its results are introduced into society.

In this policy brief we ask:

• What is the role of research in society?
• What is the impact of security research on society?
• By what criteria can we assess this impact?
• What can we do to assure that the impact is favourable?