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

Author

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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
    Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Gabriela Benatti

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Studies, Institute of Economics, University of Campinas, Pitágoras 353, Campinas CEP 13083-857, Brazil
    Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreia Marques Postal & Gabriela Benatti & Mar Palmeros Parada & Lotte Asveld & Patrícia Osseweijer & José Maria F. J. Da Silveira, 2020. "The Role of Participation in the Responsible Innovation Framework for Biofuels Projects: Can It Be Assessed?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-18, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:24:p:10581-:d:464056
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carolina Da Silveira Bueno & José Maria Ferreira Jardim Da Silveira & Antonio Marcio Buainain, 2018. "Innovation, networks and the paradigm of biofuels," International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 35(3), pages 452-484.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dilip Khatiwada & Pallav Purohit, 2021. "Special Issue on Assessing the Modern Bioenergy Potential and Strategies for Sustainable Development: Transformations through Nexus, Policy, and Innovations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-5, January.
    2. Enrico Cozzoni & Carmine Passavanti & Cristina Ponsiglione & Simonetta Primario & Pierluigi Rippa, 2021. "Interorganizational Collaboration in Innovation Networks: An Agent Based Model for Responsible Research and Innovation in Additive Manufacturing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-17, July.

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