Embedding RRI in competitive environments: stakeholders, structures, and systemic tensions

This editorial introduces a special issue examining whether and to what extent Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles can take root within organisations operating in competitive environments. Drawing on Brecht's ‘food first and then morality’ maxim, we explore the fundamental tens...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Edurne Iñigo Alday, Keren Naa Abeka Arthur, Vincent Blok, Jilde Garst, Richard Owen, Bernd Carsten Stahl
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Journal of Responsible Innovation
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23299460.2025.2529047
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Summary:This editorial introduces a special issue examining whether and to what extent Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles can take root within organisations operating in competitive environments. Drawing on Brecht's ‘food first and then morality’ maxim, we explore the fundamental tension between survival imperatives in competitive environments and the collaborative ideals of responsible innovation. The seven contributions span diverse geographical contexts (Australia, China, Bolivia, Netherlands, UK) and theoretical approaches, addressing key themes including stakeholder engagement, policy frameworks, discursive framing, and systemic governance. The papers show that while competitive pressures can conflict with RRI implementation, strategic framing and institutional design can enable synergies between responsibility and competitiveness. Cross-cutting analysis identifies the importance of contextual adaptation, multi-level policy alignment, and systems-thinking approaches to embedding RRI practices. The collection demonstrates that institutionalising RRI requires moving beyond the perceived dichotomy between ‘food and morality’ toward integrated approaches that serve both survival and ethical imperatives.
ISSN:2329-9460
2329-9037