In this paper, we first enumerate the problems that humans might face with a new type of technology such as robots with artificial intelligence (AI robots). Robotics entrepreneurs are calling for discussions about goals and values because AI robots, which are potentially more intelligent than humans, can no longer be fully understood and controlled by humans. AI robots could even develop into ethically Bbad^agents and become very harmful. We consider these discussions as part of a process of developing responsible innovations in AI robotics in order to prevent catastrophic risks on a global scale. To deal with these issues, we propose the capability-effectual approach, drawing on two bodies of research: the capability approach from ethics, and the effectual process model from entrepreneurship research. The capability approach provides central human capabilities, guiding the effectual process through individual goals and aspirations in the collaborative design process of stakeholders. More precisely, by assuming and understanding correspondences between goals, purposes, desires, and aspirations in the languages of different disciplines, the capability-effectual approach clarifies both how a capability list working globally could affect the aspirations and end-goals of individuals, and how local aspirations and end-goals could either energise or limit effectual processes. Theoretically, the capability-effectual approach links the collaboration of stakeholders and the design process in responsible innovation

Résumé La recherche en sciences humaines s’est beaucoup développée à partir de la méthode biographique, en particulier aux 19e et 20e siècles. Cette méthode qui a connu son apogée au cours des décennies 1920 à 1940 aux É-U. a été graduellement remplacée à compter des années 1940 par diverses autres approches de recherches sur le terrain ainsi que par des enquêtes réalisées par la poste puis par courrier électronique. Mais depuis les années 1980, nous observons un intérêt renouvelé et un véritable retour de la méthode biographique. Ce texte, rédigé par deux chercheurs qui sont des vétérans enthousiastes de l’utilisation de la méthode biographique, a été conçu pour intéresser et initier des chercheurs émergents à cette méthode de recherche. Il présente une vue d’ensemble et offre des repères pour appliquer cette méthode et en utiliser les résultats à diverses fins dont des fins pédagogiques. Après avoir évoqué le retour de cette méthode, les auteurs en soulignent les perspectives riches pour les recherches en sciences humaines, en particulier pour l’étude des représentations entrepreneuriales. La deuxième partie aborde diverses perspectives d’applications de la méthode alors que la troisième et dernière partie traite de l’utilisation, de l’évaluation et de l’importance de viser une authenticité transcendante en utilisant cette méthode. En conclusion, les auteurs évoquent les perspectives de contri¬butions de la méthode biographique pour la progression du champ d’étude de l’entrepreneuriat en une discipline mieux circonscrite.

The aim of this study is, based on intensive comparative case studies, to analyze structure and process of entrepreneurial networks in the internet communication era. We then imply general insights on entrepreneurial networks, some of which suggest solutions to urgent problems concerning industry restructuring in Japan. Although during the long-term recession in Japan the value of entrepreneurship has been widely recognized, the number of business startups, however, has not readily increased, in spite of various efforts by many public institutions at developing support programs. On the other hand, it has been observed recently that some internet-based entrepreneurial networks have emerged spontaneously, which let business startups help each other and acquire Internet potential. This paper begins with proposing a conceptual typology for positioning various entrepreneurial networks on it. We then analyze two cases intensively by examining their emergence process and characteristics, guided by the conceptual framework. One is an internet-based entrepreneurial network to help business startups in Japan while the other is a non-internet-based entrepreneurial network that has been in the United States for fifteen years. We conducted participated observation in the former case for two years while we carried out interviews and material-based research for the latter. Finally, we derive general insights on entrepreneurial networks from the case studies. The major findings of this study are as follows: (1) Network polarity, loose and tight, is determined by two primary variable, i.e., expectations and membership. (2) Inter-personal networks can provide the infrastructure of inter-firm networks. Especially loose inter-personal networks tend to generate cooperative and tight inter-firm network, because a wide variety of members naturally enjoy opportunities to encounter potential business partners there. (3) We find different aims in inter-personal networks and inter-firm networks. The former is primarily for mutual aiding while the latter is for dealing with businesses. (4) The internet communications can simultaneously make networks both looser and tighter. (5) Loose inter-personal networks facilitated by the internet communication should have power to reorganize old industry structure in Japan by creating new business and new business relationship if the government support it with minimum intervention and maximum understanding.

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