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

Alday, Edurne Iñigo; Arthur, Keren Naa Abeka; Blok, Vincent; Garst, Jilde; Owen, Richard; Stahl, Bernd Carsten

Abstract

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.

Citation

Alday, E. I., Arthur, K. N. A., Blok, V., Garst, J., Owen, R., & Stahl, B. C. (2025). Embedding RRI in competitive environments: stakeholders, structures, and systemic tensions. Journal of Responsible Innovation, 12(1), https://doi.org/10.1080/23299460.2025.2529047

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 17, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jul 28, 2025
• Publication Date: Jul 28, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 30, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 30, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Responsible Innovation
• Print ISSN: 2329-9460
• Electronic ISSN: 2329-9037
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 1
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23299460.2025.2529047
• Keywords: Responsible research and innovation (RRI); competitive environments; institutionalisation; stakeholder engagement; innovation governance
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/52165609
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23299460.2025.2529047
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=tjri20; Published: 2025-07-28