Accountability of Innovation - A literature review, framework and guidelines to strengthen accountability of organisations engaged in technological innovation
Date
2010-02
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Abstract
Technological advances in fields such as health care, food security and
clean energy offer vital solutions to the chronic problems facing human
society today. Innovation is a key element of progress and improvement in
the quality of life of people across the world. Yet since the Second World
War there has been a significant change in the understanding of how
technological innovation happens, and how technological innovation in
different sectors can be improved.
Literature and practice reveals in particular a growing awareness of the
need when innovating to take into account a wider group of stakeholders,
including the users, as well as a range of social, economic and cultural
factors. It is vital therefore to be much more widely accountable and
responsive.
This paper synthesises some of the most important lessons learned arising
from this new understanding of innovation, and provides a framework of
accountability for organisations engaged in technological research and
development. The guidelines focus on supporting organisations to become
more effective, while simultaneously ensuring that they adhere to ethical
standards in their innovation.
Working towards principles of accountability in the innovation process
including engagement with external stakeholders, evaluation, and
communicating with them, helps to ensure their ongoing cooperation,
acceptance and productive use of often complex technological and
scientific innovations beyond the narrow group of experts.
Starting from a literature review, the paper presents a set of guidelines
which are designed to assist a research manager reflect on their
accountability. It provides options and principles, rooted in the literature,
which can help them address the processes and consider organisational
change.
The briefing paper is accordingly split into three main parts. The first
articulates a theory of accountability, distinguishing between accountability
which serves an ethical purpose and accountability which makes an
organisation more effective. The second covers the literature addressing
the new understanding of innovation, and analyses it for the relevance to
accountability. The third part offers a set of guidelines, structured around
distinct processes common to most organisations – strategic planning,
project identification and design, conducting the research, and then
concluding the research process.
Description
Briefing paper number 124
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Working Paper
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Keywords
ACCOUNTABILITY, RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS, ACCOUNTABILITY PRINCIPLES, RESEARCH ETHICS, ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT, INNOVATION BEHAVIOUR, TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE, LITERATURE REVIEW, KNOW-HOW TRANSFER, OPERATIONS RESEARCH, APPLIED RESEARCH, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, MONITORING, PROGRAMME PLANNING