Towards a master narrative for trust in autonomous systems: Trust as a distributed concern

In this paper we present findings of research into Trust, specifically within the context of Autonomous Systems. The research is based upon an exploratory workshop attended by domain experts from academia and industry. The aim of the work is to synthesise interdisciplinary and high-level understandings of pertinent issues into a singular and cohesive Master Narrative relating to Trust an Autonomous Systems. The inquiry constructs a Master Narrative that casts Trust as a notion that is necessarily constructed by complex relationships, disciplinary lenses, and multiple concurrent stakeholders. We term this ‘Trust as a Distributed Concern’. The paper describes the research and analysis which underpins the concept of Trust as a Distributed Concern and discusses how the concept may be operationalised in research and innovation contexts.