Regional specificities in the practice of responsible research and innovation : examining the impact of the post-socialist innovation environment in seven Central and Eastern European countries

Abstract

In the last decade, there have been some successful examples of the promotion of responsible research and innovation (RRI - Responsible Research and Innovation) in developed countries. Yet, we do not have too much information about the application possibilities and efficiency of RRI in less developed – mainly post-socialist – countries. One of the methods meant to be used for the implementation of RRI, is the Socio-Technical Integration Research (STIR), which can contribute to the effective management of the possible negative consequences of research, development and innovation (RDI) processes, thus promoting responsible innovation. Hungarian STIR pilots pointed out that the innovation environment can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of STIR. Based on this, during our research, we tested the STIR process adapted to the special characteristics of the post-socialist innovation environment in 7 post-socialist countries. The adapted approach was used in 5 academic and 7 business research organizations.

This study aims to investigate the ways conscious and widespread application of responsible research and innovation can be promoted with the help of STIR method in a postsocialist innovation environment, both in the academic and business environment?

The results of our research revealed that the adapted STIR process can be successfully applied in a post-socialist innovation environment. During the research, the cooperation conditions among the participants improved signiScantly. Furthermore, the awareness and thinking of the participants broadened, and the ability to consider alternative decision options also increased. Finally, we identified several changes in decision-making practice. At the same time, it also became clear that the methodology needs further reSnement in order to achieve the widest possible applicability and greater impact.