Responsible research and innovation (RRI) and regional innovation studies (RIS) - reflecting on the normative aspects

The European approach of responsible research and innovation (RRI) placed the normative aspect of social science on the agenda of academic discussion. From a strategic viewpoint, RRI is an attempt to integrate quality criteria in the rising field of applied science. The point of reference is the societal impact that contributes to cope with the grand societal challenges. In this paper, RRI is discussed against the background of experience in applied research. The focus is on the substantial and procedural aspects of the normative base of regional innovation studies (RIS). Further on, the relationship between basic research and applied research is discussed and illustrated by a case study. In thematic terms the paper addresses a specific research topic (RIS), a certain societal background (strengthening the regional level in politics and economy), and a mode of applied research in social science that produces knowledge hand in hand with contractors and/or societal actors.