RRI2SCALE: Responsible research and innovation ecosystems at the regional scale

The project RRI2SCALE explores the integration of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) within regional research and innovation policies, strategies, and ecosystems. This is done by supporting and providing methodological guidance to four regional governmental authorities, focusing especially on two aspects of the RRI model: public engagement and governance innovation. This chapter describes the experimentation conducted with the four regions to increase stakeholder engagement and test co-design methodologies, such as techno-moral scenarios and the Scenario Exploration System (SES). These tools were chosen for their capacity to support non-divisive and future-oriented debates, helping participants to appreciate the positions of different stakeholders with a holistic approach to problems, while applying future and anticipatory thinking and moral reflection. Given the central role of businesses in showing and influencing possible innovation trajectories, their potential in meeting society's needs through innovative solutions, as well as the growing expectations of consumers for a direct commitment of the private sector on environmental and societal issues, the RRI2SCALE approach is relevant and valuable for the business sector, supporting both businesses' understanding of future societal impacts, as well as a better market intelligence.