This study synthesizes existing literature and provides a review concerning the role of different actors in responsible innovation. Additionally, their scope of action and possible ways of participating in responsible innovation are examined. Three groups of actors are analyzed, which are the business sector with Managers and Business Organizations, the research sector including Universities and Scientists and the public sector which comprises Individuals as Society, NGOs/Unions and Governments/Regulative Authorities. Finally, I will discuss the results on a practical and theoretical basis. Therefore, I will evaluate the power and influence of each actor, consider the possibilities of collaborations and provide a theoretical analysis of the literature used.
Since society is faced with grand challenges that include societal and environmental issues, responsible innovation represents a helpful solution to address these problems. As innovations and their development increase uncertainty regarding their impacts and will be more important in the future, integrating sustainability and responsibility in those processes will gain in relevance as well.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Practical Relevance
1.2 Theoretical Relevance
2. Theoretical Foundation
2.1 Definitions
2.2 Characteristics of Responsible Innovation
2.3 Dimensions of Responsible Innovation
3. Literature Research Strategy
4. The Role of Different Actors in Responsible Innovation
4.1 Business Sector
4.1.1 Manager or Leader
4.1.2 Business Organizations
4.2 Research Sector
4.2.1 Universities
4.2.2 Scientists or Researchers as Innovators
4.3 Public and Civil Sector
4.3.1 Individuals as civil society and consumers
4.3.2 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Unions
4.3.3 Governments and Regulative Authorities
5. Discussion
5.1 Practical Evaluation
5.2 Theoretical Evaluation
6. Limitations and Future Research
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this literature review is to synthesize existing academic research to identify the key actors involved in the process of responsible innovation and to analyze the extent of their influence and scope of action in steering innovation toward sustainable and socially desirable outcomes.
- The conceptual framework of responsible innovation and its defining dimensions.
- Categorization of actors into the business sector, research sector, and public/civil sector.
- Evaluation of managerial roles and organizational impact on responsible innovation practices.
- Analysis of the roles of universities, scientists, NGOs, unions, and government authorities.
- Synthesis of practical and theoretical limitations within the current landscape of responsible innovation.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Practical Relevance
Innovation is often seen as a panacea for all problems and key driver in creating a sustainable competitive advantage (Blok & Lemmens, 2015; de Hoop, Pols, & Romijn, 2016; Irwin, 1995). While advancements in innovation and research are fundamental in generating well-being in society (de Hoop et al., 2016), overall innovations exceed to a great extent sustainable ones (Pandza & Ellwood, 2013). Those advancements include genetical modification, geoengineering, nanotechnology or information and communication technologies (Guston, Fisher, Grunwald, Owen, Swierstra, & van der Burg, 2014; Sutcliffe, 2011). For several decades, economic growth and the improvement of shareholder value often was more important than sustainability and balancing different stakeholder’s interests. Consequences of these diverse concerns include poverty, climate change, food scares, and social or income inequalities which challenge not only organizations but also individuals or international institutions (Blok & Lemmens, 2015; Doh & Quigley, 2014; George, Baker, Tracey, & Joshi, 2019; van Oudheusden, 2014; Wright & Nyberg, 2019). As a result, the concept of responsibility in innovation gained significance over the past 20 years. The grand challenges mentioned above could be met through collective responsible behavior which again influences values, norms, principles or organizational structures (Blok & Lemmens, 2015; Pandza & Ellwood, 2013) and balances economic, societal and environmental needs (Blok & Lemmens, 2015; Orlitzky, Siegel, & Waldman, 2011; Stahl & de Luque, 2014).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the practical and theoretical importance of responsible innovation in addressing global societal and environmental challenges.
2. Theoretical Foundation: Provides key definitions, characteristics, and essential dimensions like anticipation and reflexivity that frame the concept of responsible innovation.
3. Literature Research Strategy: Describes the systematic methodology and the 'Snowball Principle' used to curate a reliable and relevant collection of academic sources.
4. The Role of Different Actors in Responsible Innovation: Investigates the specific responsibilities and spheres of influence for business leaders, organizations, researchers, NGOs, and governments.
5. Discussion: Critically evaluates the practical and theoretical findings, highlighting challenges in collaboration and the constraints of current research frameworks.
6. Limitations and Future Research: Addresses the gaps in existing literature and suggests future directions, such as broadening geographic scope and quantitative measurement.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes the thesis findings, emphasizing the central role of collaborative governance between diverse actors to achieve sustainable innovation.
Keywords
Responsible Innovation, Sustainability, Stakeholder Management, Responsible Leadership, Business Organizations, Research Sector, Public Policy, Social Responsibility, Innovation Governance, Corporate Social Performance, Ethical Innovation, Collaborative Innovation, Accountability, Environmental Impact, Societal Challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work provides a comprehensive literature review on the concept of responsible innovation, focusing specifically on identifying the diverse actors involved and analyzing their respective roles and influences.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The themes include the definition and dimensions of responsible innovation, the role of corporate leadership, the impact of scientific research on innovation, and the balancing role of public institutions and NGOs.
What is the core research question?
The research asks who the relevant actors are in the responsible innovation process and to what extent each actor can influence the trajectory of such innovation.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The author employed a structured literature review approach, utilizing the 'Snowball Principle' to gather and synthesize articles from high-quality, peer-reviewed journals to build a robust knowledge base.
What is addressed in the main part of the text?
The main part systematically categorizes stakeholders into the business, research, and public/civil sectors and examines the specific responsibilities and power dynamics of each.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The research is best described by terms such as responsible innovation, stakeholder management, sustainable development, and innovation governance.
How does the author define the role of managers in innovation?
Managers are described as role models who must integrate various stakeholder concerns, foster an organizational culture of responsibility, and balance long-term goals with economic needs.
Why is the concept of 'inclusion' important in this context?
Inclusion is a dimension that encourages the integration of diverse viewpoints, ensuring that the wider public can participate in and shape the innovation process rather than just being passive consumers.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding government influence?
The author concludes that while governments provide the legal and regulatory framework necessary to incentivize responsible behavior, they face limitations due to national boundaries in a globalized world.
What is the significance of the "uncertainty of action and impact" mentioned for researchers?
This concept highlights that in highly uncertain environments, researchers cannot rely on past guidelines, forcing them to depend on their own ethical judgment and responsibility to manage the potential negative impacts of their work.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2020, The Role of Different Actors in Responsible Innovation, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/981284
