The Role of Participation in the Responsible Innovation Framework for Biofuels Projects: Can It Be Assessed?

Andreia Marques Postal, Gabriela Benatti, Mar Palmeros Parada, Lotte Asveld, Patrícia Osseweijer and José Maria F. J. Da Silveira
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Andreia Marques Postal: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Studies, Institute of Economics, University of Campinas, Pitágoras 353, Campinas CEP 13083-857, Brazil
Gabriela Benatti: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Studies, Institute of Economics, University of Campinas, Pitágoras 353, Campinas CEP 13083-857, Brazil
Mar Palmeros Parada: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
Lotte Asveld: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
Patrícia Osseweijer: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands
José Maria F. J. Da Silveira: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Studies, Institute of Economics, University of Campinas, Pitágoras 353, Campinas CEP 13083-857, Brazil

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 24, 1-18

Abstract: The growth in biofuels’ investment brings with it concerns about the social and environmental impacts of the sector. Several tools and frameworks have been used to address these concerns, including the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) framework. This paper analyzes whether this framework can be applied in contexts where local culture and values shape differently the freedom of speech and engagement, such as in developing countries in which biofuel innovation projects are often implemented. A literature review focused on eight case studies of other authors was used to explore the role of “participation” as a structural element of the RRI framework and the impact of its absence where effective participation in the innovation development process is not possible. In conclusion, we highlight how this inspirational normative framework, designed to influence innovation, is misused to judge its impacts. More than that, the conclusions of such misused applications reflect more the difficulties involved in applying guidelines than the responsible character of the innovation, whose impacts are usually defined upfront materially and measurably.

Keywords: responsible research and innovation; biofuels; effective participation; inclusion; institutions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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