Ethics in corporate research and development: can responsible research and innovation approaches aid sustainability?

Abstract

An increase in the number of companies that publish corporate social responsibility (CSR) statements, and a rise in their 'sustainability' research, reflects a growing acceptance that broad ethical considerations are key for any type of company. However, little is known about how companies consider moral objectives for their research and development (R&D) activities, or the basis upon which these activities are chosen. This research involves qualitative investigation into Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, comprising 30 in-depth, pan-European interviews with key personnel in the industry, and focus groups with employees at 14 different companies. Through investigation of the 'responsible' activities these companies currently undertake, we shed light on the types of moral goals they set and their underlying ethical standpoints. By reviewing both the responsible innovation and sustainability discourses, and presenting phenomenological evidence, we demonstrate that companies have adopted some aspects of RRI, even though it might not be recognised as such. Our findings indicate that these innovators recognise some of the ethical and societal concerns associated with their activities but their approach is often piecemeal; primary focus is upon the most immediate issues and on legal compliance, to the detriment of broader societal issues and wider challenges. We recommend explicit mechanisms that draw upon established ethical thought and practical academic work to improve companies' abilities to carry out their sustainability activities, and incorporate them into a responsible business strategy. We conclude with recommendations for innovators, corporate research and development, and policy.

Development of a Project-Based Learning Assessment System to Improve Students’ Competence

“…This study employed the research and development model, which is used to achieve certain results and test the effectiveness of these products (Adedoyin et al (2020), Basch et al 2011 Stahl et al, (2019). The researchers used this method to develop a project-based assessment which served as a learning instrument in archival subjects.…”

‘Wicked’ solutions for ‘wicked’ problems: Responsible innovations in social enterprises for sustainable development

“…First, innovations (e.g., nuclear power) create ‘dual uses’ or ‘double effects’ (Voegtlin & Scherer, 2017). The effects of innovations are usually identified through legal compliance and by engaging with end users (Stahl, Chatfield, Ten Holter, & Brem, 2019). These types of activities are also considered ‘morally minimum’ and considered to be insufficient to identify the double effects of innovations to avoid harm (Stahl et al, 2019).…”

Responsible Innovation in SMEs: A Systematic Literature Review for a Conceptual Model

“…In contrast, see [75] which stated that although there is greater awareness and understanding among SME managers about climate change, translating that awareness into practical action is difficult, mainly because of their scepticism about how their actions "might impact on the big picture". Therefore, as the study [76] highlighted, it is important for companies to understand that they are not separate from society but part of it. This can be achieved, see [77] which internal discussions among employees in order for them to articulate the reason for the company's existence and its role in society.…”

“…Then, in order to improve the impact of socially responsible activities in SMEs there is a need for specific strategies and policies [89]. This last argument was explored through drivers and barriers to incorporating responsible research and innovation in SMEs [6], of these, for example, laws, regulations, or certifications could be drivers [90,91], but also possible barriers to the implementation of RRI when the regulatory approach is not clear [46], or there is no specific regulation [76], or there is too much legislation to comply with. For example, environmental legislation can lead to owner-manager indecision [22], so the business response appears to be largely regulatory rather than empirical [75].…”