Short Abstract (please note that the following two files - 1) Full Paper submission, along with 2) Tables and Figures, uploaded in the field for Full Papers / Slides)
Responsible Innovation (RI) underscores the need for organizations to consider the societal and environmental impact of their innovation activities and to align innovation with and for society. Our research advances knowledge on how and to what extent RI is integrated into innovation management in profit-driven firms. Employing a theories-in-use approach, we conducted qualitative research with 60 managers in large, multinational firms across various industries in Germany, India, and Japan. Based on our findings, we develop a conceptual model to capture the current understanding of Responsible Innovation Management in for-profit firms, and how it differs across national and cultural contexts. Our analysis uncovers the main drivers of Responsible Innovation Management, and the distinct impact of the dominant innovation focus in each country, as well as systematic variations in cultural dimensions and values across countries. Our research advances theory on RI, which so far has focused mainly on publicly funded scientific research, by introducing the construct of Responsible Innovation Management, identifying its drivers in for-profit forms, and underscoring the pivotal role of national and cultural contexts. We offer practical insights for innovation and sustainability managers in multinational companies by proposing a set of practices for their firms and their international subsidiaries to effectively balance profit and planet through Responsible Innovation Management.
Full paper, along with Tables and Figures, submitted in the field designated for Full Papers / Slides.