Implementing responsible innovation: the role of the meso-level(s) between project and organisation

Stahl, Bernd Carsten; Portillo, Virginia; Wagner, Hanne; Craigon, Peter J.; Darzentas, Dimitrios; De Ossorno Garcia, Santiago; Dowthwaite, Liz; Greenhalgh, Chris; Middleton, Stuart E.; Nichele, Elena; Wagner, Christian; Webb, Helena

Abstract

Much of academic discussion of responsible innovation (RI) has focused on RI integration into research projects. In addition, significant attention has also been paid to RI structures and policies at the research policy and institutional level. This article reports experiences of RI implementation with a focus on the intermediate i.e. meso-level. The research described here included a series of interviews that aimed to clarify researchers' perspectives on RI as well as barriers to and benefits of RI implementation. Two cases of engagement with research projects, with the aim of promoting RI, were undertaken. The analysis of the data demonstrates the crucial contribution that the meso-level of a research programme can make in interpreting, implementing and perpetuating RI across related activities. The article provides strong evidence that the scholarly debate surrounding RI should pay more explicit attention to this meso-level, ultimately strengthening RI theory and practice.

Citation

Stahl, B. C., Portillo, V., Wagner, H., Craigon, P. J., Darzentas, D., De Ossorno Garcia, S., Dowthwaite, L., Greenhalgh, C., Middleton, S. E., Nichele, E., Wagner, C., & Webb, H. (2024). Implementing responsible innovation: the role of the meso-level(s) between project and organisation. Journal of Responsible Innovation, 11(1), Article 2370934. https://doi.org/10.1080/23299460.2024.2370934

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 18, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 12, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 22, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 22, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Responsible Innovation
• Print ISSN: 2329-9460
• Electronic ISSN: 2329-9037
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 2370934
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23299460.2024.2370934
• Keywords: Responsible innovation; ICT research; research programme; meso-level