Abstract
This case study demonstrates that industry researchers can productively work with experts from the social sciences / humanities to integrate principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) into actual, on-going industrial innovation projects. The case presents the first example of collaborative, interdisciplinary and integrated innovation project management that is supported by an ICT tool with the aim of stimulating RRI. It is also the first case that presents both qualitative and quantitative data demonstrating enhanced socially responsible innovation with combined attention to technical, economic and social aspects.The tool, in the form of an online innovation project support dashboard, helps researchers understand and appreciate ‘soft’ project aspects regarding communication and socio-ethical context as well as relevance, by measuring and visualising the impact of such aspects in relation to innovation project success. As such, the tool can be used to enable researchers to develop into more ‘reflective practitioners’ who take responsible innovation as a starting point rather than an add-on to technical innovation.In addition, the tool is adaptable to different industrial innovation contexts. For this case study, the tool was used in a contract research organisation leading many innovation projects. The benchmark element is based on innovation project assessment of earlier projects within the organisation. That means that in eachc organisation, also within different innovation fields, context specific key innovation quality and performance indicators (KPIs), and their interrelations, can be identified, ensuring the tool’s relevance and usability within other organisations.The results and considerations presented in the case study can therefore help inspire researchers from the fields of natural and social sciences to set up and participate in collaborative research and innovation practices to further support and enhance RRI.
Highlights
The tool is adaptable to different industrial innovation contexts
The tool was used in a contract research organisation leading many innovation projects
The pilot tool provides a way for Research and Innovation (RRI) aspects to be continuously represented as a crucial part of good RRI project management, in which a range of aspects is considered beyond scientific, technological and economic ones. This way, RRI aspects can more readily find their way into on-going innovation work on the laboratory floor as an integrated part of daily innovation practice
Summary
At NIZO Food Research BV in Ede, the Netherlands, commercial industrial contract research is conducted on food and animal feed, with a main focus on healthy, sustainable food/feed composition and production. Policy makers, social scientists and corporate managers have been advocating responsible research and innovation (RRI) practices, through which companies can further embody corporate social responsibility. These practices include active reflection on – and integration of – socio-economic and socio-ethical aspects by innovators on the research and development working floor, in addition to technological and scientific aspects. Reflection and integration of broader contexts was reached by collaborating with an external researcher from the social sciences/humanities This ‘critical outsider’ helped the innovation project leaders reflect on their daily practices from a more social and economic perspective, in a way that did not compromise potential innovation project quality and success
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