Abstract
This study proposes a new approach to the responsible development of innovative products, processes and services by companies and organisations operating in the bioeconomy and related industry sectors. It departs from much of the recent and currently available research on responsible research and innovation in that it recognises the very different challenges faced by innovating organisations, compared to conventional approaches with a strong emphasis on upstream engagement. It attempts to move away from the politicised perspectives that have dominated many engagement initiatives on disruptive innovations like synthetic/engineering biology, and to focus on practical downstream outcomes, the extent to which they will fulfil the aspirations of ordinary citizens, and will comply with prevailing industry norms of responsible behaviour. The proposed consolidated responsible innovation framework builds on the framework developed in 2012 by the then Technology Strategy Board, implemented using the anticipate, reflect, engage and act approach devised by UK research councils. It distinguishes between routine, company-specific aspects of responsibility, expected to be addressed within an organisation's standard operating procedures, and project-specific aspects requiring regular appraisal throughout the development of an innovation. It is designed to be simple and feasible for a company to implement within a commercial environment.
Highlights
There are some potential barriers to the delivery of these expected benefits
There is considerable variation, nationally and societally, in the ways we perceive the risks and benefits of innovative technologies, and the governance processes we put in place for an innovative technology area will determine not just which products and processes are developed and what scale of company can participate in their development and the competitive advantage of nations and regions [6]
research and innovation (RRI) is being promoted as an essential component of future European Union (EU) governance processes, with a focus on synthetic biology as a leading example, through an extensive and long-running programme of academic research funding initiatives, the assumption being that RRI will be a key component of future EU governance processes and to delivering societal acceptance of these technologies
Summary
The antecedents of RRI lie in an earlier research initiative that focused on ethical, legal and social aspects of new technologies (ELSA), from 1994 in the 4th EU Framework Programme [8]. In the periods leading up to and beyond the launch of the Demos booklet, social science research on innovation-related questions in the UK and the EU was heavily dominated by this ELSA agenda Despite this overt challenge to the scientific ethos, scientists and science funders embraced upstream engagement on the basis that it would, if managed properly, improve public acceptance of new technologies and would not bring an end to any area of research [15].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
