Abstract
The aim of this paper has been to explore, in depth, the place-based conditions enabling and constraining the directionality of responsible innovation in the Tasmanian salmon farming industry, and to discuss how this case can inform the broader literature on directionality of innovations. Theoretically, we argue that the combination of literature on responsible research and innovation (RRI), regional innovation system (RIS) and discourse theory is a useful starting point for addressing innovation as a territorial complex consisting of a material dimension in terms of technologies and resources, an organizational dimension in terms of innovation systems and regulations, and a discursive dimension in terms of narratives in play. When applying the complex to analyze how place-based conditions have enabled and constrained the directionality of responsible innovation in the Tasmanian salmon industry, the case discerns that the directionality of responsible innovation arises from a rather mature and well-organized regional innovation system, which allows multiple stakeholders to articulate their narratives. Under such circumstances, responsible innovation becomes a multidimensional, interactive, and co-created phenomenon consisting of several dilemmas. Still, although the contextualization of responsible innovation is highlighted, our case study acknowledges that certain “universal” characteristics shine through. By this we mean that context sensitivity must not supersede the fact that place-based responsible innovation is always subject to some generic dynamism: under all circumstances there will be a territorial innovation complex at play.
Highlights
Responsible research and innovation (RRI) has gained considerable prominence within policy spheres over the last decade, in the EU, and has quickly grown as a scholarly topic of analysis and research in its own right [1,2]
We have argued for understanding innovation as a territorial complex consisting of an organizational dimension in terms of innovation system and regulations, a material dimension in terms of technologies and resources, and a discursive dimension in terms of narratives in play
The analysis of responsible innovation in Tasmanian salmon farming has pointed to empirical insights of how directionality in responsible innovation is sustained by placebased factors pertaining to the materiality–organization–discourse complex
Summary
Responsible research and innovation (RRI) has gained considerable prominence within policy spheres over the last decade, in the EU, and has quickly grown as a scholarly topic of analysis and research in its own right [1,2]. Building on a technology assessment tradition, the RRI literature offers “forward-looking approaches, methods, and frames of reference for reflecting on the societal impact of research and innovation” [4]. In this sense, RRI taps directly into issues of directionality and normativity, bringing up questions about the types of value that are fostered by technological research and innovation. Little attention has been paid to how place-based conditions, and especially the regional context, enable and constrain the development and implementation of normatively framed RRI [4,5]. Coenen and Morgan [7] have noted that RRI overlooks critical implementation dimensions, and runs the risk of paying insufficient attention to the capabilities and institutions required to innovate responsibly
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