Introduction and overview: a research agenda for responsible innovation

This book examines responsible innovation and demonstrates how the concept can be effectively operationalized in practice. While innovation enhances efficiency and societal well-being, it also introduces a range of sustainability-related challenges. Scholars and practitioners increasingly call for responsible innovation to ensure that technological advancements generate broader societal and environmental benefits. Drawing on diverse empirical cases, the book illustrates how responsible innovation unfolds across multiple sectors. The chapters address key themes such as stakeholder engagement, sustainable consumption, the dark side of generative artificial intelligence, and the gig economy. By integrating theoretical insights with rich empirical evidence, the book provides a multidisciplinary perspective on how emerging technologies can advance societal progress while managing complexity and mitigating associated risks.