Research ethics and safety review system: digital transformation in a complex university

Abstract

The university is acknowledged as an institution of great complexity, one that constantly navigates challenges in its interactions with the external community while adhering to an ethical code that defines its institutional identity and guides its research efforts. Moreover, it undertakes digital transformation processes to effectively meet its objectives. With this recognition, this article reports on the experience of designing and developing a Platform for the management of ethical and safety evaluations in scientific research, aimed at facilitating the work of ethical-scientific committees in the university environment. The methodological approach was carried out using tools typical of case study designs, working with documents and defining the following as dimensions of analysis: the development conditions of the platform, its characteristics, its future and challenges. The results indicate that in organizations that prioritize digital transformation as a process that adds value to strategy, a positive impact on knowledge management is observed, as is the case with this Platform. The significance of working with key actors, system users who execute interactions on the platform, appreciating their role in feedback processes and the improvement of the computer resource, is highlighted. Furthermore, it is noted that when there is a strategic vision of digital transformation as a process, favoring progressive development, identifying gaps and improvements in systems, enriching synergies are generated with other sectors of the institution, resulting in a profound and widespread impact throughout the university.