Analysis of the responsible innovation concept and identification of the key managerial implications

In this thesis, we analysed the concept of responsible innovation (RI) and determine some of the key managerial implications, in other words, some of the main consequences for RI companies. The first step was to determine what RI may mean. To do so, we identified the redundant key characteristics of some well-known corporate responsibility concepts e.g. CSR, Sustainable Development, Technology Assessments, etc. Additionally, we analysed the existing definition of RI proposed by several authors. This dual analysis helped us propose an interpretation of what RI may mean and what some of its key characteristics could be. Secondly, based on our working definition we identified some managerial implications theoretically i.e. the advantages, disadvantages, key success factors and risks mentioned in the related scientific literature. Finally, we held seven interviews with managers working in RI active companies. The objective of the interviews was through a semi-directive questionnaire to understand how those managers understood the responsible innovation concepts. Moreover, to test the managerial implications we identified theoretically. The global objective of this thesis was to contribute to clarifying the term “responsible innovation” often considered as a buzzword and better understand the advantages and challenges coming from its implementation in some Belgian companies.