A Framework for Responsible Innovation in the Business Context: Lessons from Responsible-, Social- and Sustainable Innovation

Abstract

While the concept of Responsible Innovation is increasingly common among researchers and policy makers, it is still unknown what it means in a business context. This study aims to identify which aspects of Responsible Innovation are conceptually similar and dissimilar from social-and sustainable innovation. Our conceptual analysis is based on literature reviews of responsible-, social-, and sustainable innovation. The insights obtained are used for conceptualising Responsible Innovation in a business context. The main conclusion is that Responsible Innovation differs from social-and sustainable innovation as it: (1) also considers possible detrimental implications of innovation, (2) includes a mechanism for responding to uncertainties associated with innovation and (3) achieves a democratic governance of the innovation. However, achieving the latter will not be realistic in a business context. The results of this study are relevant for researchers, managers and policy makers who are interested in responsible innovation in the business context.

Lessons for Responsible Innovation in the Business Context: A Systematic Literature Review of Responsible, Social and Sustainable Innovation Practices

“…Second, the refined framework of responsible innovation that we propose in this review can be seen as a bricolage of innovation activities coming from responsible, social and sustainable innovation articles. Even though social and sustainable innovation are similar to responsible innovation, differences can be found [18]. Therefore, further research is needed to test how these dimensions can all be applied together in the business context, since there are also most certainly interaction effects between the dimensions.…”

“…Lubberink et al [18] identified conceptual similarities and dissimilarities between responsible, social and sustainable innovation based on a conceptual analysis of published literature reviews of these three innovation concepts. They conclude that social innovation overlaps conceptually with responsible innovation, especially when it comes to the drivers for innovation and the outcomes of social innovation processes.…”

“…Based on a conceptual analysis of literature reviews on responsible and sustainable innovation, Lubberink et al [18] came to the conclusion that sustainable innovation overlaps conceptually with responsible innovation. Sustainable innovations are also initiated in response to grand societal challenges, and commonly climate-change-related challenges.…”

“…Managing such a stakeholder network enables engagement in a dialogue, to gain legitimacy, to acquire necessary knowledge and to find opportunities for responsive solutions [1]. However, not only Lubberink et al [18] but also Adams et al [1] explicitly state that sustainable and responsible innovation are both focused on sustainability as a desirable outcome of innovation. Studies regarding green and eco innovation research are primarily focused on the environmental and economic dimensions as innovation outcomes [33].…”

“…Like responsible innovation, social and sustainable innovation also aim to respond to overarching societal challenges. Furthermore, they require the involvement of multiple stakeholders, and they consider social and environmental impact in addition to economic impact as desirable innovation outcomes [18]. The scientific documentation of social and sustainable innovation in the business context can be informative for the conceptualisation and understanding of responsible innovation in the business context.…”