Design and responsible research innovation in the additive manufacturing industry

This study examines how designers can help business and science become mutually responsive to each other for the acceptability, sustainability and societal desirability of novel bio-materials used in additive manufacturing and contributing to the circular economy. The paper presents the concept of responsible research & innovation (RRI) which aims for mutual responsiveness between scientists and other stakeholders about the future impacts of innovation. Such a dialogue presents challenges when the science is still uncertain and values conflict, but a scientific-designer approach can support RRI through the creation of physical artefacts. This creates a dialogue with the potential to integrate or knot together differing values and understandings. •Responsible research innovation (RRI) can respond to concerns about innovation impacts.•Concerns about innovation impacts are a challenge when science is uncertain and scientists and stakeholders' values differ.•A scientific-designer approach in upstream innovation development can address concerns about innovation impacts.•Designed artefacts can knot differing values and understandings thus enabling responsible research innovation.