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A framework for responsible innovation in the business context

lessons from responsible-, social- and sustainable innovation

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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.

Reference Lubberink, R., Blok, V., van Ophem, J., & Omta, O. (2017). A framework for responsible innovation in the business context: lessons from responsible-, social- and sustainable innovation. In L. Asveld, R. van Dam-Mieras, T. Swierstra, S. Lavrijssen, K. Linse, & J. van den Hoven (Eds.), Responsible Innovation 3: a European Agenda? (pp. 181-207). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64834-7_11
Published by  CAREM 1 January 2017

Publication date

Jan 2017

Author(s)

Vincent Blok
Johan van Ophem
Onno Omta

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