The conceptual evolution of responsible research and innovation in China: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT

Within the contemporary global economy, research and innovation are just as likely to come from non-western economic and political powers, such as China, as from western powers more traditionally associated with research and innovation production, such as in Europe and North America. Subsequently, how Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is conceptualised and applied in these alternative contexts is an important question. This review aims to contribute to a better understanding of the evolution and application of RRI in China by reviewing Chinese academic literature. Our analysis indicates that, on the one hand, there is wariness that a complete transplantation of a European conception of RRI to China might lead to cultural imperialism. On the other hand, it is hoped that RRI will improve the ethical governance of technological innovation in China. By analysing Chinese scholarship, the paper also attempts to define distinctive features of RRI in China.

KEYWORDS:

• Responsible research and innovation
• China
• non-western RRI
• Chinese RRI

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers and the editor who provided valuable and constructive comments for the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 For example, the Wassenaar Agreement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies was signed in 1996 by 33 major industrial equipment and weapons manufacturing countries, led by the United States, to impose export restrictions on non-member countries, including China. The restrictions cover nine categories, including advanced materials, materials processing, electronic equipment, computers, telecommunications and information security, sensors and lasers, navigation and avionics, ships, and propulsion systems and spacecraft.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

L. Wang

L. Wang is an associate professor of the Intellectual Property Development Research Center, National Intellectual Property Administration, People's Republic of China. He is interested in innovation strategy research, clarifying the current status of innovation through Tech mining, and giving strategies for future innovation and development to achieve Technological goodness and responsibility. His main research areas include 6G communication, biological breeding, and responsible research innovation. His research sits at the intersection of Chinese and Western academic circles as a critical, interdisciplinary scholar.

T. B. Long

T. B. Long is assistant professor of sustainable entrepreneurship at the University of Groningen's Campus Fryslân Faculty, and a member of the University's Centre for Sustainable Entrepreneurship. Tom's research interests focus on three main areas, including: responsible innovation in contexts of sustainable entrepreneurship, success factors for sustainable business models and the interaction of world heritage and sustainable business. Tom's Ph.D., completed at the University of Leeds (UK) in 2013, focused on management of supply chain greenhouse gas emissions by public and private focal organisations in the UK.