This anthology aims to explore the current Norwegian context of implementation of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),as well as the challenges and fragilities associated with it. It is grounded in the experience of a networking and learning centre called AFINO (acronym for‘ Ansvarlig Forskning og Innovasjon i NOrge’, or Responsible Research and Innovation in Norway),to which most of the authors of this book are affiliated. Whether the authors are trying (...) to illustrate a fragility or challenge, to understand its origins, or to illustrate how they have been tackled or how things developed in unexpected ways that raise new fragilities and questions, we believe that all chapters contribute to bringing to light the richness of the domains of research, innovation, policy, and business. (shrink)

RRI is a broad concept that is subject to different interpretations. This chapter focuses on the view of RRI as a transformative ideal for reforming the research and innovation system in the service of public interest. This is the normatively strong view of RRI that has attracted many policy-makers and young researchers but left cold many senior researchers and innovators. The transformative vision of RRI has failed to materialise, and RRI remains a marginal reality, even in Norway, (...) where arguably the conditions were more propitious than elsewhere. I attempt to explain the failed transformation, focusing on two key objectives of RRI: the ambition of aligning R&I with societal values and the aspiration to steer R&I through generating a shared responsibility for the future (a prospective joint responsibility in technical terms). Alignment proved very hard to achieve because valuing is steeped in well-established practices, habits, and cognitive-emotional frameworks. These cannot be changed at will. Besides, the ambition to make researchers and innovators more responsive to a wider constituency and additional social responsibilities stumbled against what I call moral saturation, namely the lack of capacity and resources to take on additional moral tasks. Furthermore, modern societies are characterised by a pluralism of values and conceptions of the good life, compounded by the lack of methods for composing value conflicts. These problems come back when we look at what it takes to create expanded shared responsibilities: joint intentions and joint commitments. A formal analysis of how these can be generated shows that they need pre-conditions that are seldom obtaining in the real world of R&I. So, the transformative ambition went against the inertia and entrenched habits of the R&I ecosystem and yet very often the task of promoting the change was given to junior researchers: the most vulnerable and less powerful actors. I conclude that RRI ambition to transform the R&I system is unrealistic. What can be attempted is to develop small-scale experiments outside the mainstream, where institutional barriers and perverse incentives are partially removed or corrected. (shrink)

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) has only lately included environmental sustainability as a key area for the social desirability of research and innovation. That is one of the reasons why just a few RRI projects and proposals include environmental sustainability, and Climate Change (CC) in particular. CC is one of the grand challenges of our time and, thus, this paper contributes to the operationalization of CC prevention in RRI. To this end, the tools employed against CC (...) were identified. Tools originated in corporate social responsibility and sustainable innovation which help to operationalize strategies against CC in RRI practice. Complementarily, the latest proposals by RRI projects and actors related to CC were reviewed. The findings of the document analysis and the web review were arranged in a framework intended for research and innovation that has an indirect but relevant negative impact due to CC. Thus, four main strategies for CC prevention in RRI were determined: a voluntary integration of the aims, a life cycle perspective, open access databases and key performance indicators, and stakeholder management. The article is finished acknowledging diverse barriers hindering the operationalization of CC prevention in RRI, and we introduce future avenues for research in this area. (shrink)

This Research Topic focuses on both strengths and weaknesses of social innovation, technological innovation, and health innovation that are increasingly recognized as crucial concepts related to the formulation of responses to the social, health, and environmental challenges. Goals of this Research Topic: (1) to identify and share the best recent practices and innovations related to social, environmental and health policies; (2) to debate on relevant governance modes, management tools as well as evaluation and impact assessment (...) techniques; (3) to discuss dilemmas in the fields of management, financing, designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining the sustainability of innovative models of delivering social, health and care services; and (4) to recognize and analyze social, technological and health innovation that has emerged or has been scaled-up to respond to crisis situations, for example, a pandemic of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease. (shrink)

The circular economy (CE) framework has captured the attention of industry and academia and received strong policy support. It is currently deemed as a powerful solution for sustainability, despite ongoing criticism on its oversimplification and lack of consideration of socio-ethical issues. In parallel, the concept of RRI has emerged strongly with a strong focus on the integration of social desirability in innovation under transparency, democracy and mutual responsiveness principles. In this paper, we critically examine the literature on the CE (...) and RRI in order to find out how the different focus of RRI may provide an innovation governance framework to strengthen the CE framework. There are two main ways in which RRI could further the CE: first, anticipating unexpected consequences, helping to break disciplinary barriers and acknowledging systemic limits that are not currently taken into consideration; and second, the integration of socio-ethical issues in the CE, and addressing the social implications of the CE through stakeholder participation. However, future research should look at remaining blind spots of CE and RRI, such as non-technological innovation, the demand-side of innovation and the development of business models. With that objective, we suggest a research agenda for common development of the frameworks. (shrink)

Abstract: Before now it is believe that it is only company that their activities adversely affect the environment that should be socially responsible. This has change over the years as some country has made it mandatory for business to be socially responsible without which they cannot do business. For insurance company, their activities have to do with rendering of services and as such do not destroy the environment. The main objective of the study was to determine corporate (...) social responsibility accounting and financial performance of insurance companies in Nigeria. The research design adopted for the study is expo facto research design. The population of the study consists of all the 40 companies quoted in the Nigeria Stock Exchange as at December 2016. A sample of 25 insurance companies was selected base on their size from the population of the insurance companies. Data for the study were obtained from annual reports for the period of ten (10) years ranging from 2007 to 2016. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to determine the desire relationship. Findings show a significant relationship between corporate social responsibility accounting and return on capital employed and net profit margin, while a negative relationship with earnings per share. The implication of the findings is that there is evidence of conscious effort of the sampled insurance companies to discharge their social responsibility. The study recommends among other that management should be proactive and ensure that their social responsibility policies are adequately implemented, and ensure that Nigerian companies comply with government laws regarding business regulation in the country. (shrink)

The embedding and promotion of social change is faced with aparadoxical challenge. In order to mainstream an approach to socialchange such as responsible research and innovation and makeit into a practical reality rather than an abstract ideal, we need tohave conceptual clarity and empirical evidence. But, in order to beable to gather empirical evidence, we have to presuppose that theapproach already exists in practice. This paper proposes a social labmethodology that is suited to deal with this (...) circularity. Themethodology combines the defining features of social labs emergingfrom the literature such as agility and real-world focus withestablished theories and approaches such as action research andexperiential learning. Thereby it enables the parallel investigationand propagation of RRI. The framework thus constructed provides atheoretical embedding of sociallabs and overcomes some of theknown limitations of the constitutive approaches. (shrink)

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) reflects an innovation paradigm that acknowledges that market innovations do not automatically deliver on socially desirable objectives, and requires a broad governance of knowledge coalitions of governmental bodies as well as industrial and societal actors to address market deficits. Responsible Innovation should be understood as a new paradigm for innovation which requires institutional changes in the research and innovation system and the public governance of the economy. It also requires the institutionalisation (...) of an ethics of co-responsibility as well as the introduction of new standards and certification processes for products. Dr. Dr. phil. von Schomberg will introduce Responsible Innovation against the background of 6 deficits of the (global) research and innovation system. (shrink)

Historically, scientific and engineering expertise has been key in shaping research and innovation policies, with benefits presumed to accrue to society more broadly over time. But there is persistent and growing concern about whether and how ethical and societal values are integrated into R&I policies and governance, as we confront public disbelief in science and political suspicion toward evidence-based policy-making. Erosion of such a social contract with science limits the ability of democratic societies to deal with challenges presented (...) by new, disruptive technologies, such as synthetic biology, nanotechnology, genetic engineering, automation and robotics, and artificial intelligence. Many policy efforts have emerged in response to such concerns, one prominent example being Europe's Eighth Framework Programme, Horizon 2020, whose focus on “Responsible Research and Innovation” provides a case study for the translation of such normative perspectives into concrete policy action and implementation. Our analysis of this H2020 RRI approach suggests a lack of consistent integration of elements such as ethics, open access, open innovation, and public engagement. On the basis of our evaluation, we suggest possible pathways for strengthening efforts to deliver R&I policies that deepen mutually beneficial science and society relationships. (shrink)

This Open Access book builds on the experiences of one of the largest European projects in the domain of responsible Research and Innovation: NewHoRRIzon. It highlights the potential of and opportunity in responsible R&I to conduct innovation in a socially responsible way. Employing the methodology of Social Labs, the book analyses responsible R&I from an experience-based viewpoint and further explores the application of responsible R&I beyond scholarly and industrial interests. The contributors analyze the (...) current European R&I landscape, provide reflection and reconceptualization of its core concepts, and project future challenges in relation to responsible R&I. The book complements the readers' line of work by providing insights on how responsible R&I can be applied by the audience, for example, in their decision-making processes. (shrink)

The World’s Leading Research and Development Institutions and Companies -/- Introduction -/- Research and Development (R&D) is the backbone of global innovation, driving technological progress, economic growth, and scientific discoveries. Across the world, top institutions and corporations invest billions of dollars into R&D to push the boundaries of human knowledge and create groundbreaking technologies. This essay explores the most influential research institutions and companies shaping the future through their contributions in science, engineering, medicine, and technology. -/- The (...) Role of Research Institutions in Global Innovation -/- Research institutions play a crucial role in advancing fundamental and applied sciences. Many of these institutions are publicly funded universities and government research agencies that focus on a wide range of disciplines, from medicine and engineering to artificial intelligence and space exploration. -/- 1. Leading Research Institutions -/- Some of the most prestigious research institutions include: -/- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – USA: The primary agency of the U.S. government responsible for biomedical and public health research. -/- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – USA: A global leader in aerospace and space exploration, NASA continues to innovate in space technology and planetary science. -/- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) – France: The largest governmental research organization in France, covering all scientific disciplines. -/- Max Planck Society – Germany: A network of research institutes in Germany, known for excellence in science and technology. -/- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) – China: China’s premier research institution focuses on science and technology innovation across various fields. -/- Harvard University – USA: Leads in biomedical research, social sciences, and humanities. -/- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – USA: At the forefront of engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing research. -/- Stanford University – USA: Known for its deep ties to Silicon Valley, Stanford plays a key role in tech innovation. -/- University of Oxford & University of Cambridge – UK: Both institutions are among the oldest and most respected in the world, conducting high-impact research in medicine, engineering, and the humanities. -/- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) – Switzerland: Excels in engineering and natural sciences research. -/- University of Tokyo – Japan: Japan’s leading university, known for its research in science and technology. -/- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – USA: A leader in space science and physics. -/- Imperial College London – UK: Specializes in engineering, medical, and business research. -/- University of Toronto – Canada: A top institution in AI, robotics, and engineering. -/- 2. Engineering and Technology Research Leaders -/- Engineering research institutions contribute to infrastructure, automation, and digital transformation. Some of the most prominent ones include: -/- University of California, Berkeley – USA: Known for its research in engineering, computer science, and environmental science. -/- University of Pennsylvania – USA: Invests in innovative engineering projects. -/- University of Michigan – USA: Known for technological advancements in multiple fields. -/- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) – Switzerland: Excels in engineering and digital research. -/- Tsinghua University – China: A leader in AI, renewable energy, and industrial automation research. -/- The Role of Private Companies in Research and Development -/- Private corporations play a major role in R&D, investing heavily in emerging technologies, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, and industrial innovations. Many of the world’s biggest companies spend billions to maintain leadership in their respective fields. -/- 1. Leading Technology Companies in R&D -/- Amazon ($73.2B in R&D spending, 2022): Focuses on cloud computing, AI, logistics, and automation. -/- Alphabet (Google) ($39.5B in R&D, 2022): Invests in AI, quantum computing, and search algorithms. -/- Meta (Facebook) ($35.3B in R&D, 2022): Focuses on AI, VR, and the Metaverse. -/- Apple ($27.7B in R&D, 2022): Leads in consumer electronics and semiconductor technology. -/- Microsoft ($26.6B in R&D, 2022): Invests in AI, cloud computing, and software innovation. -/- 2. Engineering and Industrial Companies in R&D -/- Volkswagen ($19.88B in R&D, 2022): A leader in automotive engineering and electric vehicles. -/- Samsung ($19.29B in R&D, 2022): Develops advanced semiconductors and electronics. -/- Intel ($17.53B in R&D, 2022): Focuses on microprocessors and AI hardware. -/- Huawei ($24B in R&D, 2022): Leads in telecommunications and 5G development. -/- Siemens – Germany: A global leader in industrial automation, medical technology, and smart infrastructure. -/- Nokia – Finland: Focuses on telecommunications infrastructure and technology development. -/- Sony – Japan: Invests in consumer electronics, gaming, and entertainment technologies. -/- Boeing – USA: Develops aerospace technology, defense systems, and commercial aircraft innovations. -/- General Electric (GE) – USA: Focuses on energy, aviation, and industrial automation R&D. -/- 3. Pharmaceutical and Biotech Research Leaders -/- Roche ($14.72B in R&D, 2022): A leading pharmaceutical company specializing in diagnostics and biotech innovations. -/- Pfizer: Known for vaccine development, including the COVID-19 vaccine. -/- Moderna: A pioneer in mRNA technology for medical treatments. -/- Johnson & Johnson: Invests heavily in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. -/- Bristol-Myers Squibb – USA: Focuses on biopharmaceutical research, including immunology and oncology. -/- AstraZeneca – UK/Sweden: Invests in pharmaceutical research, particularly in oncology and cardiovascular diseases. -/- The Impact of R&D on Society and the Future -/- The advancements driven by R&D have a profound impact on global society. Some of the most significant areas of innovation include: -/- Healthcare: Research in biotechnology, gene therapy, and medical AI is revolutionizing healthcare, leading to personalized medicine and new treatments for previously incurable diseases. -/- Artificial Intelligence: AI research in institutions and companies is driving automation, machine learning, and deep learning applications. -/- Sustainable Energy: Engineering research is focusing on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and smart grid technologies to combat climate change. -/- Space Exploration: Organizations like NASA, SpaceX, and ESA are expanding human exploration beyond Earth. -/- Telecommunications: Companies like Huawei, Nokia, and Qualcomm are leading the development of 5G and future wireless communication technologies. -/- Automotive Industry: Electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and autonomous driving are key research areas for companies like Tesla, Volkswagen, and Toyota. -/- Conclusion -/- The world’s leading R&D institutions and companies are shaping the future through their groundbreaking work in science, engineering, medicine, and technology. Universities and research centers provide the foundation for discovery, while corporations drive commercial applications of these innovations. As investments in R&D continue to grow, humanity will witness even greater advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration, ultimately improving lives and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. -/- . (shrink)

: Background: In responsible research and innovation (RRI), innovation is seen as a way in which humankind finds solutions for societal issues. However, studies on commercial innovation show that firms respond in a different manner and at a different speed to the same societal issue. This study investigates what role organizational motives play in the product innovation processes of firms when aiming for socially responsible outcomes. Methods: This multiple-case study investigates the motives of food firms for healthier (...) product innovation by interviewing firms about the organizational motives behind product reformulation and innovation. Results: This study highlights the importance of having both instrumental and moral motives in the innovation process when aiming for socially responsible outcomes, and how both these motives interact and contribute to responsible innovation in industry. Furthermore, the study results question the nature of relational motives as a separate category from the other two categories of motives, as suggested by corporate social responsibility (CSR) scholars. Conclusions: If commercial innovation needs to contribute to solutions for societal issues, the importance of moral motives has to be stressed without annihilating the instrumental objectives of firms. Both motives contribute to the success factors of responsible product innovation in industry. (shrink)

Understanding the policymaking process in an emerging economy in the global south, such as Bangladesh, holds significant importance. The country's remarkable socio-economic development, once the most impoverished in the region, has been facilitated by post-globalization economic transformation. While the literature on institutional change has predominantly focused on states in industrialist countries, this dissertation presents an innovative theoretical approach. It deeply explores primary case materials to illustrate how the state engages in policy evolution in a developing country's gradual shift from the (...) import substitution model towards globalization and deregulation. The central argument posited is that Bangladesh's globalization, particularly through its private sector-led garment exports, stands as a significant success story. Bangladesh is now the world's second-largest garment exporter after China. This achievement is attributed to the entrepreneurial development it fosters and its role in driving socio-economic change. Moreover, it has enabled the mobilization of resources, reducing aid dependence, enhancing climate resilience, improving public health and wellbeing, empowering women, and addressing critical needs in physical infrastructure and human development. The argument presented here diverges from the conventional explanation found in the literature, which tends to emphasize the role of external forces, particularly institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and donors, in triggering policy reforms in Bangladesh. These reforms, commonly linked with structural adjustment packages implemented during the balance of payments crisis, are frequently perceived as predominantly influenced by external pressures. Additionally, the influence of the business class or Bangladeshi non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is often asserted. This dissertation proposes an alternative explanation by suggesting that ideational viewpoints within the state, specifically the ideas espoused by top technocrats and political executives, played a significant role. It argues that these internal ideational factors were more influential than materialistic ones, highlighting the causal role of the policy process driven by endogenous imperatives. The introduction of the dissertation addresses the research problem and research puzzle while suggesting conjectures after problematizing existing arguments. The significant economic transformation observed in Bangladesh today is portrayed as the outcome of a gradual process spanning several decades. The transition towards promoting the private sector and embracing globalization commenced in 1991, following a series of incremental changes dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. During these periods, the institutional path progressed towards empowering the private sector and embracing globalization, laying the groundwork for a trajectory led by the private sector in the context of globalization. The theory chapter serves to establish the conceptual and theoretical foundation for analyzing both economic change and transformation by examining the evolutionary nature of the process. The study adopts an institutional change framework, drawing on the theory of gradual change and focusing on concepts such as layering and tipping points. Within this framework, causal variables such as powering and puzzling, social learning, and ideas are identified. The methodological approach is grounded in historical institutionalism, employing the process-tracing "within case" method. The selection of cases deliberately targets an important yet under-researched area—the policy process in Bangladesh concerning the success of garment-led industrialization. This dissertation fills a noticeable gap in the literature through rigorous analysis, enabling an in-depth exploration of the institutional dynamics spanning four governments from 1972 to 1991. The study relies on substantial primary materials, including interviews with key officials. Each empirical chapter not only presents data but also connects the findings to conceptual and theoretical conjectures, underscoring the significant contributions of this research. The key causal variables identified include the concepts of ‘puzzling’ and ‘social learning’ within the state capacity framework, along with a narrowly defined and developed concept of a "policy committee." The learning process entails technocrats engaging in what Hugh Heclo and Peter Hall term as "social learning," where they play a crucial role in addressing policy challenges, particularly during times of uncertainty and political turmoil, based on their learning from past experiences. Additionally, the concept of ‘powering’ is highlighted, emphasizing that while technocrats provide policy recommendations, it is ultimately the political executive who endorses policies. The interplay between ‘puzzling and powering’ and ‘social learning’ shapes the outcomes of the policy process. The first empirical chapter focusing on the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Government (1972-1975) illustrates the emergence of policy learning during this period. Initially, this government pursued import substitution under strict government controls, with a predominant public sector. The historical context of exploitation under Pakistani rule and the centralization of industry by West Pakistan fostered socialism as an ideal for East Pakistan's economic emancipation. Additionally, close ties with India and the Soviet Union reinforced this socialist tendency. However, due to severe economic conditions resulting from stringent control on private investment and emphasis on large-scale public investment, policy puzzling and learning ensued. As a result, incremental changes were initiated, allowing limited private sector participation. The second empirical chapter explores the General Ziaur Rahman government's tenure (1975-1981) and how deregulation was consolidated within a layering step, paving the way for a shift towards globalization. General Zia and his technocrats, operating under authoritarian conditions, acknowledged the inefficacy of existing policies. Furthermore, General Zia's inclination towards the West fostered closer collaboration with donors. The Multifiber Agreement (MFA) presented an opportunity for garments, coinciding with the decline in jute exports. This government opened up industrial sectors for private participation, and banks provided funding across various sectors, with special emphasis on the burgeoning garment industry. The chapter also explores the origins of the garment industry during this period. Notably, Noorul Quader Khan, upon retiring as cabinet secretary, collaborated with a Korean multinational, Daewoo, with the support of General Zia, leading to the establishment of Desh Garments—a pioneering venture that catalyzed the export orientation of the sector. The third empirical chapter delves into the economic policies of the General Hussain Muhammad Ershad Government (1982-1990), highlighting its emphasis on greater private sector involvement. Under this administration, there was a political inclination towards globalization and deregulation, leading to the appointment of technocrats aligned with this vision. The leadership believed that promoting the private sector would be more effective in job creation. Despite facing significant political opposition, efforts towards disinvestment were made, eventually resulting in compromises like public-private partnerships. The decentralization of administration and restructuring of ministries aimed at promoting industrialization and economic globalization driven by the private sector at the regional level. Initiatives such as the Industrial Promotion and Development Company, with support from organizations like the International Finance Corporation, aimed to boost the private sector. Efforts towards globalization were synchronized with the establishment of an export processing zone in Chittagong, focusing on promoting private and foreign investment. Foreign investment promotion was encouraged through diplomatic efforts and legislative measures to safeguard investors. Currency devaluation was utilized to stimulate exports, along with some degree of import liberalization. The chapter convincingly argues that the groundwork for globalization, initiated under General Zia, came to fruition under General Ershad. The final empirical chapter contends that the system shifted towards globalization and deregulation in 1991. Although a severe balance of payments crisis occurred in 1989, it wasn't perceived as the sole cause of the industrial policy of 1991. The democratic uprising in 1990 led to the downfall of the military-backed government and the rise of a democratic government. The chapter argues that while economic and political changes may have been intertwined, the economic shift in 1991 was primarily driven by ideas within the state and driven by endogenous imperatives. It examines preceding periods to illustrate how the tipping mechanism might have operated, detailing the roles of top technocrats and political executives. The chapter provides insights into key policymakers and their ideas, as well as their interactions with industrialists, entrepreneurs, and representatives of multilateral organizations like the World Bank. Significant reform measures, including tariff reduction, the introduction of value-added tax, banking sector reform, and the adoption of floating exchange rates, are outcomes of the policy change. Additionally, sectors such as power, banks, and telecommunications, formerly monopolized by the public sector, are now deregulated. (shrink)

Comprehensive Reform for the Philippines: A Path to Balance, Progress, and Genuine Spirituality -/- The Philippines faces numerous challenges that hinder its development, with overpopulation, economic struggles, an outdated educational system, and inefficiencies in various sectors. These issues require a comprehensive reform that aligns with sustainable and balanced progress. A strong foundation in education, economic stability, government restructuring, urban planning, increased productivity, and genuine spirituality is essential to achieving long-term national growth. -/- Family, Self-Reliance, and Economic Balance -/- One of (...) the strongest aspects of Filipino culture is its close-knit family ties. While this fosters deep social connections and mutual support, it also highlights the need for self-reliance, especially in financial matters. No family member can provide permanent financial aid, making economic independence crucial. This balance between support and self-sufficiency should be emphasized in education to help individuals develop resilience and long-term financial planning skills. -/- Overpopulation remains a major issue in the country, straining resources, employment opportunities, and infrastructure. Without proper regulation, it creates an Imbalance that affects the economy and the overall well-being of citizens. Addressing this issue requires a world-class or holistic educational system that equips people with critical thinking skills and an understanding of sustainable living. -/- The Role of a Holistic Educational System -/- A key solution to many of the Philippines’ problems lies in education. The major goal of a holistic educational system is to produce a high-quality young generation of Filipinos—individuals who are not only academically competent but also morally upright, socially responsible, and innovative. This kind of education must go beyond memorization and standardized testing. It should focus on developing problem-solving skills, ethical reasoning, leadership, and an awareness of social and environmental responsibilities. -/- A well-educated population is more likely to make informed decisions about family planning, career paths, and financial management. It would also cultivate a workforce that is highly skilled and adaptable to a rapidly changing global economy. If properly implemented, this education system would empower Filipinos to become self-reliant, contribute to national progress, and break the cycle of poverty. -/- Economic Growth, Job Creation, and Increased Productivity -/- At the same time, job creation is crucial. A strong economy relies on a balance between government-driven employment programs, private sector growth, and foreign direct investments (FDI). Encouraging businesses, both local and international, to invest in the Philippines would provide job opportunities, boost the economy, and reduce poverty. However, this requires a government system that is transparent, efficient, and capable of managing these economic initiatives effectively. -/- To maximize economic potential, productivity across all sectors—including agriculture, manufacturing, and services—must be significantly improved. Strategies to increase productivity include: -/- 1. Agricultural Modernization – Investing in better farming techniques, irrigation systems, and post-harvest facilities can improve efficiency in food production and reduce waste. Government support in mechanization and research can increase yields and help farmers transition to more profitable and sustainable practices. -/- 2. Technology Integration in Industry – Encouraging automation, artificial intelligence, and digital tools in various industries will enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Training workers to adapt to these technologies is crucial for long-term success. -/- 3. Skills Development and Workforce Training – Continuous upskilling programs in technical and vocational fields will ensure that workers are equipped with the latest industry knowledge, increasing productivity and innovation. -/- 4. Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) – Providing financial assistance, mentorship programs, and access to international markets will help SMEs grow, create jobs, and contribute to the economy. -/- 5. Streamlining Government Processes – Reducing bureaucratic red tape and implementing digital governance solutions will improve efficiency in business registration, taxation, and service delivery, fostering a more productive environment. -/- The Importance of Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development -/- Another critical factor in national progress is urban planning and government investment in high-quality infrastructure projects. Many of the country’s problems, including traffic congestion, flooding, and housing shortages, stem from poor urban planning and outdated infrastructure. To address this, the government must invest in well-planned cities, efficient transportation systems, and sustainable housing projects. -/- Proper urban planning ensures that growing populations are managed effectively, preventing overcrowded informal settlements and ensuring that resources are distributed efficiently. High-quality infrastructure projects, such as modern highways, bridges, airports, and public transport systems, would not only improve the quality of life for Filipinos but also attract more foreign investments, further strengthening the economy. A well-structured and balanced urban environment leads to better economic opportunities, improved public services, and a higher standard of living for all citizens. -/- Comprehensive Government Reform -/- A comprehensive government reform is necessary to address these interconnected problems. Corruption, inefficiency, and short-term political agendas must be replaced with policies that focus on long-term sustainability and national progress. This can be achieved through a structured and merit-based political system, ensuring that competent and visionary leaders are in charge. If decision-makers follow the principles of balance in governance—ensuring fairness, stability, and sustainability—then the country can move toward real progress. -/- The Role of Genuine Spirituality -/- An essential yet often overlooked aspect of national development is genuine spirituality. While religion is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, it must evolve beyond rituals and dogma to serve as a guiding force for ethical governance, responsible citizenship, and moral leadership. True spirituality is not about blind faith but about inner transformation, self-discipline, and wisdom in decision-making. Leaders and citizens alike must cultivate values such as integrity, compassion, and accountability—principles that align with the universal law of balance in nature. When people are spiritually grounded, they are more likely to act justly, prioritize the common good, and resist corruption and greed. -/- A Vision for the Future -/- Implementing a holistic approach that integrates education reform, economic stability, government restructuring, urban planning, productivity enhancement, infrastructure development, and genuine spirituality is key to fixing the Philippines’ systemic problems. By understanding and applying the universal law of balance in nature, the country can create policies that align with long-term development, benefiting not just the present generation but also the future. A nation guided by wisdom, moral responsibility, and a balanced perspective on life will be able to achieve real and lasting progress. -/- . (shrink)

There is a need for enterprises to incorporate information on the environment into decision making and to take action on ecological restoration. Within academia, a comprehensive understanding of the impacts on how business can serve sustainability transformation is still lacking as diverging holistic approaches and reductive approaches cloud academic thinking. The authors take a science-policy interface perspective to cover the role of cognitive proximity, matching and coordination of scientific knowledge from diverse stakeholders for effective policy making and implementation. We show (...) through a literature review that temporal and spatial scales, soil and land degradation, institutions and ecosystem, and the role of human behavior and narrative are not adequately emphasized in sustainability research. A scale-based picture, focusing on landscapes, institutions and practices is proposed which can be used to align diverse fields by acting as “bridge” for improved science policy interface and decision making, facilitated through cognitive proximity, matching, and coordination. A case study on a business association from South India is used to demonstrate the scales based approach in practice. A scale-based approach can play a key role in connecting human behaviour, a social science thematic topic, with ecosystems, a natural science thematic topic. (shrink)

Because corporate social responsibility can be beneficial to both companies and its stakeholders, interest in factors that support CSR performance has grown in recent years. A thorough integration of CSR in core business processes is particularly important for achieving effective long-term CSR practices. Here, we explored the individual CSR-related competencies that support CSR implementation in a corporate context. First, a systematic literature review was performed in which relevant scientific articles were identified and analyzed. Next, 28 CSR directors (...) and managers were interviewed. The literature review complemented with interview data resulted in the following eight distinct CSR-related competencies: Anticipating CSR challenges; Understanding CSR-relevant systems and subsystems; Understanding CSR-relevant standards; CSR management competencies, including Leading CSR programs, Managing CSR programs, and Identifying and realizing CSR-related business opportunities; Realizing CSR-supportive interpersonal processes; Employing CSR-supportive personal characteristics and attitudes; Personal value-driven competencies, including Ethical normative competencies, Balancing personal ethical values and business objectives, and Realizing self-regulated CSR-related behaviors and active involvement; and Reflecting on personal CSR views and experiences. Based on these results, implications for further research on this topic, as well as implications for practitioners, are discussed. (shrink)

In this special issue we will investigate, from the perspective of agricultural ethics the potential to develop a Responsible Research and Innovation approach to agriculture, and the limitations to such an enterprise. RRI is an emerging field in the European research and innovation policy context that aims to balance economic, socio-cultural and environmental aspects in innovation processes. Because technological innovations can contribute significantly to the solution of societal challenges like climate change or food security, but can also (...) have negative societal consequences, it is assumed that social and ethical aspects should be considered during the R&I process. For this reason, the emerging concept of RRI calls for ethical reflection on the nature, scope and applicability of responsibility and innovation in innovation practices in general, and the way social–ethical issues can be applied and addressed in agriculture. (shrink)

Two decades ago, in 1994, in the context of the 4th EU Framework Programme, ELSA was introduced as a label for developing and funding research into the ethical, legal and social aspects of emerging sciences and technologies. Currently, particularly in the context of EU funding initiatives such as Horizon2020, a new label has been forged, namely Responsible Research and Innovation. What is implied in this metonymy, this semantic shift? What is so new about RRI in comparison (...) to ELSA? First of all, for both labels, the signifier was introduced in a top-down manner, well before the concept that was signified by it had acquired a clear and stable profile. In other words, the signifier preceded the research strategies actually covered by these labels. Moreover, the newness of RRI does not reside in its interactive and anticipatory orientation, as is suggested by authors who introduced the term, but rather in its emphases on social-economic impacts. (shrink)

In this chapter, we analyse the debate around the implementation of responsible research and innovation (RRI) in Higher Education, Funding and Research Centres (HEFRCs). We will illustrate some proposals about how to implement RRI in HERFCs in a good way. Open and inclusive governance is key to fruitful implementation of RRI in these organizations. Governance in this context refers to ways of steering processes in a desirable direction, in this case in the direction of responsible (...) class='Hi'>research and innovation that is ethically acceptable and socially desirable. We will present and assess different models of governance and aim to provide ethical governance of research and innovation (R&I) inspired by the most convincing ideas emerged in the current debate. (shrink)

This article explores the transformative potential of improvisational techniques in reshaping interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary (ITD) learning environments offering art-based exercises and tools for this work. By integrating active research with improvisational methods from theatre and music, we propose a pedagogical shift that transcends traditional academic roles and disciplinary boundaries, fostering a culture of co-creation, mutual learning and innovation. This approach aims to tackle the inherent challenges of ITD research and thus enhance ITD research groups’ ability (...) to address complex societal ‘Grand Challenges’. We argue that improvisation within both ITD research and educational communities serves as a crucial catalyst for nurturing trust, embracing failure as a growth opportunity, and redefining success. Embodied practices based on improvisation help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, enabling academics to navigate the complexities of collaboration and engage in shared learning experiences. This article introduces techniques from improvisational theatre aimed at fostering trust and collaboration in transdisciplinary research and educational settings. Drawing on over 25 years of combined research experience, we show how these tools enhance mutual understanding and collective problem-solving among students and research teams. Ultimately, we advocate integrating conventional knowledge delivery models with a framework characterised by regenerative practices, care and explorative processes. This integrated approach would offer new opportunities for addressing the intertwined wicked problems our world faces today, promoting a more inclusive, participatory and creatively fulfilling academic community. (shrink)

The aim of this research is to examine the public policy influences on academic investigations that contain a substantial convergence among human resource management–industrial relations and corporate social responsibility–stakeholder approach by means of using bibliometric and content analyses of relevant publications in the Scopus and ScienceDirect databases. Totally, 160 publications were subject to bibliometric, cluster, and summative content analyses. In this context, this study claims that public policy in the EU influences academic investigations and scholars. The investigation (...) draws attention to the importance of active participation of different public institutions and key stakeholders (e.g., trade unions, works councils, academic associations) that prepare a basis for collaboration, solidarity, and communication for strengthening EU social model, social dialogue, collective bargaining, and the protection of social rights. The research findings illuminate the fact that European public policies have significant effects on shaping and encouraging investigations that are considered within the scope of IR–HRM and CSR–SA. One of the most crucial recommendations of this study is that the investigations which are out of this framework can be considered quite idealistic. Therefore, researchers may attempt to publish more scientific investigations in frame of IR–HRM and CSR–SA to enhance the comprehensiveness and depth of these two clusters. (shrink)

in this article, we explore how responsible research and innovation (RRI) interacts with the current political context. We examine the (1) possible consequences for RRI and related agendas if values associated with ‘populist’ movements become more pervasive, (2) the role that a lack of RRI has potentially played in the development of this political context, and (3) how RRI as a concept, practice, and research agenda should respond. We argue that whilst RRI is threatened, it is now (...) more important than ever. We propose that RRI needs to go beyond being a method for facilitating societal input into research and innovation and for highlighting desired impacts. RRI needs to evolve to provide an effective conduit for criticisms and the input of critical thinking and reflexivity into science and innovation, including in terms of economic policy and politics. (shrink)

Contrary to the tendency to harmony, consensus and alignment among stakeholders in most of the literature on participation and partnership in corporate social responsibility and responsible innovation practices, in this chapter we ask which concept of participation and partnership is able to account for stakeholder engagement while acknowledging and appreciating their fundamentally different judgements, value frames and viewpoints. To this end, we reflect on a non-reductive and ethical approach to stakeholder engagement, collaboration and partnership, inspired by the (...) philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas. We contrast a cognitive approach with an ethical approach to stakeholder engagement, collaboration and partnership, and explore four characteristics of this ethical approach. Based on the ethical approach to stakeholder engagement, collaboration and partnership, we also provide a three-stage framework for partnership formation in CSR and RI practices. (shrink)

Corporate activities conducted under the banner of creating shared value (CSV) have gained popularity over the last decade, and some MNCs have espoused that CSV has entered the heart of their practices. There has, however, been criticism about the lack of a standard definition of CSV. The purpose of the current study was to develop a working definition of CSV by identifying distinctions between CSV and various conceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR). We conducted 26 semi-structured interviews (...) with managers and stakeholder representatives of five multinational corporations (MNCs) and three small and medium enterprises (SMEs), all headquartered or rooted in Asia. These firms had received public recognition for their CSV engagement. We compared and contrasted interviewees’ conceptions and descriptions of CSV and traditional CSR (philanthropy) and mapped these against Carroll’s four-layer model of responsible corporate management. Interviewees tended to frame CSV as a sustainable business model that generates social and economic value simultaneously. Traditional CSR was characterized as “giving back” some of the surplus from economic returns. In addition, interviewees described examples of strategic CSR, which involved pump-priming interventions for empowering and enabling stakeholders of the CSV practices of the focal firm to participate in the associated wealth and well-being co-creation. Keywords: Corporate social responsibility, creating shared value, qualitative, Asia. (shrink)

How the Profit Motive Influences Media’s Role in Politics and Product Innovation -/- Introduction -/- Media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, influencing political discourse, and driving consumer behavior. Ideally, journalism should serve as a watchdog, holding power accountable and informing the public with accurate, unbiased information. Similarly, the media’s role in promoting products should focus on genuine innovation that benefits society. However, the profit motive has significantly altered these dynamics. Instead of prioritizing public welfare, media institutions often (...) focus on financial gain, leading to political bias, misinformation, and consumer culture driven by unnecessary product upgrades rather than true innovation. -/- Despite these challenges, the profit motive remains essential in sustaining economic growth, creating jobs, and driving technological progress. Businesses, including media and technology firms, must continue to generate profit to support their employees, invest in innovation, and maintain financial stability. This essay explores how media’s pursuit of profit has shaped politics and product innovation—sometimes leading to manipulation and overconsumption—while also highlighting the necessity of profit for economic stability and job creation. -/- The Profit Motive In Political Influence -/- Media companies operate as businesses, and their financial survival depends on maximizing profits. This has led to the prioritization of sensationalism, bias, and political influence over objective journalism. -/- 1. Sensationalism and Misinformation -/- To attract more viewers, readers, and online engagement, media companies rely on dramatic headlines, fear-mongering, and emotionally charged content. Instead of presenting balanced perspectives, media outlets choose narratives that generate more engagement, regardless of accuracy. -/- Example: During election cycles, media outlets often focus on scandals and controversies rather than discussing real policy issues. In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, much of the media coverage fixated on the “Clinton emails” rather than substantive discussions about economic policy, healthcare, or climate change. -/- 2. Corporate Ownership and Political Bias -/- Many mainstream media companies are owned by large corporations with vested interests in certain political outcomes. This ownership structure influences editorial decisions, leading to biased reporting that serves corporate and elite interests rather than public welfare. -/- Example: Billionaire-owned media companies, such as The Washington Post (owned by Jeff Bezos) and Fox News (controlled by Rupert Murdoch), have been accused of pushing narratives that align with their owners' political and business interests. -/- 3. Political Advertising and Pay-to-Play Journalism -/- Political campaigns and corporations pay large sums to media companies for favorable coverage. This financial dependency can lead to biased reporting or the suppression of critical stories. -/- Example: In the Philippines, politicians often use paid news segments and political ads disguised as news reports, creating the illusion of widespread public support while suppressing dissenting voices. -/- 4. Media-Driven Political Polarization -/- To maximize audience loyalty, many media organizations take strong partisan positions, reinforcing ideological divisions. This leads to echo chambers where people only consume content that aligns with their preexisting beliefs, further polarizing society. -/- Example: In the U.S., Fox News caters primarily to conservative audiences, while MSNBC leans toward liberal perspectives. This divide reinforces political tribalism, making constructive dialogue difficult. -/- The Profit Motive In Product Innovation -/- Beyond politics, media also plays a significant role in shaping consumer behavior and perceptions of innovation. While technological advancements and new products can improve lives, media-driven marketing often prioritizes unnecessary upgrades and exaggerated benefits over true innovation. -/- 1. The Role of Media in Shaping Consumer Demand -/- Since advertising revenue is a primary income source for most media companies, they prioritize content that appeals to advertisers rather than educating or informing the public. this leads to an emphasis on promoting new products, sometimes regardless of their necessity or actual innovation. -/- Example: Tech companies use media partnerships to generate excitement about new product releases, even when the changes are minimal. A major smartphone manufacturer, for instance, may introduce minor camera improvements or design tweaks and market them as groundbreaking innovations. -/- 2. Social Media and Influencer-Driven Product Hype -/- The rise of social media has intensified product marketing, making influencers a key force in driving demand. Many influencers, backed by corporate sponsors, promote products without critically evaluating their real impact or necessity. -/- Example: Luxury brands and smartphone companies pay influencers to showcase their products as status symbols. This creates an artificial perception of exclusivity and necessity, leading consumers to purchase items they might not truly need. -/- 3. The Illusion of Innovation Through Frequent Upgrades -/- Many industries, particularly technology and fashion, rely on planned obsolescence—introducing frequent but minor updates to create the illusion of innovation. This strategy encourages consumers to upgrade their products regularly, even when older models remain functional. -/- Example: A leading electronics company releases new smartphone models annually, often with only minor feature enhancements. Many devices slow down over time due to software updates, subtly pressuring users to replace their devices sooner than necessary. -/- 4. Psychological Manipulation in Advertising -/- Media uses psychological tactics to influence consumer behavior. Limited-time offers, aspirational advertising, and fear-based marketing create artificial demand for new products. -/- Example: Beauty magazines and social media ads promote anti-aging products by associating youth with success and attractiveness. This fosters insecurity, encouraging unnecessary spending on skincare and cosmetic treatments. -/- Why the Profit Motive Must Continue -/- Despite these challenges, the profit motive remains essential to economic stability, job creation, and continuous innovation. Businesses, including media companies, rely on profits to sustain their operations and support employees. -/- 1. Job Creation and Economic Growth -/- Profitable businesses provide stable employment, allowing workers to earn wages, support their families, and contribute to economic growth. Media companies, for example, employ journalists, editors, graphic designers, marketers, and IT professionals. The same is true for product innovation, where research and development teams, factory workers, and sales professionals all benefit from profitable enterprises. -/- Example: The global tech industry supports millions of jobs, from engineers developing new products to retail workers selling them. Without profit incentives, companies would have little motivation to expand, invest, and hire more employees. -/- 2. Funding for Innovation and Technological Advancements -/- Profit enables companies to invest in research and development, leading to technological breakthroughs that improve quality of life. Whether in medicine, transportation, or communication, businesses reinvest earnings into innovation that benefits society. -/- Example: The telecommunications industry continually advances due to profits that fund research into faster internet speeds, better security features, and more efficient network infrastructure. -/- 3. Stability and Business Sustainability -/- Without profit, businesses cannot survive in the long term. Media companies, for instance, require revenue to pay journalists and produce high-quality content. Similarly, manufacturers must generate income to continue developing new products. A balanced approach—where profitability coexists with ethical responsibility—ensures economic stability while minimizing harm. -/- Conclusion -/- The profit motive has significantly shaped the media’s role in both politics and product innovation. While it sometimes leads to sensationalism, misinformation, and excessive consumerism, it remains essential for job creation, economic stability, and technological progress. The key challenge is finding a balance—ensuring that media and businesses remain profitable while also prioritizing truth, sustainability, and genuine innovation. Addressing these issues requires policy reforms, media literacy education, and a shift toward more responsible journalism and marketing practices. By fostering ethical profit-driven growth, society can benefit from stable incomes, continuous innovation, and an informed public. -/- . (shrink)

This study explores the complex landscape of inclusive education for learners with Specific Learning Needs (SLNs), examining critical factors that facilitate successful post-school transitions. The study employed a qualitative interpretive case study design. Conducted in Bulawayo Central District's two secondary schools with Resource Units, the research uses an innovative conceptual framework integrating Neurodiversity theory and Schlossberg's career transition theory. Through a comprehensive investigation involving ten learners with SLNs, two teachers, one school administrator, and the District Remedial Resource Tutor (DRRT), (...) the study uncovers key strategies for supporting educational and vocational adaptation. The study adhered to ethical protocols; obtained university clearance, provincial and district permissions, and acquired informed consent from participants and parents of minors. The research reveals a multifaceted approach to enhancing educational and transitional support for the learners, highlighting critical areas for intervention: redesigning the curriculum to accommodate the diverse abilities and needs of the learners; developing a transition policy that is specifically designed to support individuals with special conditions in post-school settings; introducing corporate tax incentives for companies that create employment opportunities for individuals with special conditions and societal attitude transformation. By prioritizing stakeholder perspectives, the study develops a nuanced transitional model that offers practical guidance for more effective inclusive educational practices. The findings underscore the importance of holistic support in empowering learners with SLNs to achieve academic, social, and economic success. (shrink)

Responsible innovation (RI), also termed Responsible Research and Innovation, has emerged due to increasing concern over how to integrate ethical and societal values into research and innovation policy and governance (Von Schomberg 2013), in response to questioning of the societal role of science as well as populist resurgence in some countries (Long and Blok 2017a). Within a RI approach, innovators must consider three dimensions of responsibility, including the dimensions of (1) ‘avoiding harm’ to people and the (...) planet, (2) ‘doing good’ through the offering of innovations that foster sustainable development, and (3) the development of facilitative global governance schemes (Voegtlin and Scherer 2017). (shrink)

-/- A Framework for Global Education and Leadership Implementation -/- By Angelito Malicse -/- This model expands on the Universal Law of Balance by integrating it into a global education system and leadership strategy that ensures its practical application. The goal is to eliminate dependence on overpopulation for economic growth, shift toward a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy, and establish a sustainable, balanced civilization. -/- I. THE UNIVERSAL LAW OF BALANCE AS A GOVERNING PRINCIPLE -/- 1. Balance as the Foundation of (...) Decision-Making -/- Every economic, political, and social policy must align with the Universal Law of Balance. -/- Governments, businesses, and individuals must make decisions based on long-term sustainability, not short-term gain. -/- 2. Leadership Based on Balance and Scientific Rationality -/- Leaders must understand and apply the Universal Law of Balance in governance, economic planning, and resource management. -/- Education programs must ensure leaders are trained in scientific thinking, ethics, and sustainability rather than relying on outdated ideologies. -/- Policy decisions must be based on measurable balance indicators (resource consumption, economic stability, environmental impact). -/- II. EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR A BALANCED SOCIETY -/- 1. Reforming Global Education to Prioritize Balance and Critical Thinking -/- Replace outdated education systems that promote consumerism and economic growth at any cost. -/- Focus on systems thinking, ethics, resource management, AI governance, and environmental sustainability. -/- Teach decision-making based on the Universal Law of Balance, ensuring all individuals make choices that maintain stability. -/- 2. Educating for a Knowledge-Based and AI-Assisted Economy -/- Transition away from education focused on mass labor for industrial jobs. -/- Train people in critical thinking, advanced problem-solving, AI development, sustainable technology, and ethical leadership. -/- Encourage lifelong learning to adapt to evolving technology and scientific advancements. -/- III. A BALANCED ECONOMIC MODEL WITHOUT POPULATION GROWTH -/- 1. Economic Structure Based on Efficiency, Not Endless Expansion -/- Current Flawed Model: More population → More jobs → More economic growth (unsustainable). -/- Balanced Model: Stable population → AI productivity → Sustainable wealth distribution. -/- 2. AI, Automation, and the Post-Labor Economy -/- AI and automation replace repetitive jobs, allowing humans to focus on creativity, research, and governance. -/- Productivity increases while reducing the need for human labor, ensuring economic stability without population growth. -/- 3. Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Wealth Redistribution -/- UBI ensures economic security without relying on job creation through population growth. -/- Funded by taxation on AI-driven industries, natural resource extraction, and automation profits. -/- UBI allows people to focus on innovation, education, and personal development. -/- IV. GLOBAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BASED ON BALANCE -/- 1. Intelligent Resource Allocation Using AI -/- AI-driven planning ensures resource consumption stays within environmental limits. -/- Policies regulate mining, energy use, food production, and industrial activity to prevent resource exhaustion. -/- 2. Circular Economy: Eliminating Waste and Overproduction -/- Move away from the disposable consumer economy and promote durable, recyclable, and modular products. -/- Implement global regulations for responsible manufacturing, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. -/- 3. Governance Systems to Enforce Balance -/- Leaders must follow strict sustainability policies rather than prioritize profit-driven growth. -/- Global cooperation to enforce environmental protection and fair resource distribution. -/- V. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR LEADERSHIP AND POLICY CHANGE -/- 1. Educating World Leaders in the Universal Law of Balance -/- Leadership training programs must include principles of balance, sustainability, and rational decision-making. -/- Future politicians, corporate executives, and policymakers must pass competency tests based on these principles. -/- 2. Reforming Political and Economic Institutions -/- Shift from profit-driven governance to balance-based governance. -/- Economic policies must be evaluated by scientific sustainability models before being approved. -/- Limit corporate influence over policy decisions to prevent environmental and economic imbalance. -/- 3. Global Collaboration for Sustainable Policies -/- Encourage international agreements that regulate population, technology use, and environmental protection. -/- Develop a global standard for resource consumption, ensuring fair distribution among nations. -/- VI. LONG-TERM GOALS AND THE FUTURE OF HUMAN CIVILIZATION -/- By following the Universal Law of Balance, humanity can achieve: -/- 1. A Stable Population – No longer relying on growth for economic survival. -/- 2. A Knowledge-Based Society – AI and automation free humans to focus on creativity and ethical decision-making. -/- 3. Sustainable Resource Use – Intelligent management prevents environmental collapse. -/- 4. Balanced Leadership – Governments prioritize stability over short-term economic gain. -/- 5. True Economic Equality – UBI and wealth redistribution prevent extreme poverty. -/- Final Vision: A Future Where Human Intelligence Aligns with Natural Balance -/- Civilization will no longer be trapped in cycles of boom and collapse due to overpopulation, overconsumption, and economic instability. -/- Science, ethics, and balanced governance will guide the future of human progress in alignment with nature’s equilibrium. -/- . (shrink)

To address societal challenges, research and innovation approaches, involving a wide range of actors, are increasingly promoted by policy communities. This paper explores the practice of Quadruple Helix collaborations for responsible innovation and how these implement the theoretical ambition of including actors from different societal sectors in innovation, including actors from the fields of arts, media and civil society, which is conceptualized as the Fourth Helix in this concept. Referring to cross-sector collaboration literature and based on an empirical (...) investigation, we explore which actors, representing the Fourth Helix, actually engage in innovation collaborations, how this engagement plays out in practice, and the institutional and systemic dynamics involved in output and value creation. We rely on data from three Social Labs in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands, which constitute qualitative, change-oriented research processes, where we researched and engaged with actors from cases constituting- or aiming for a Quadruple Helix collaboration. This was accompanied by a desktop study including qualitative interviews of 51 further cases. We find that the actual engagement of actors from civil society is fragile and that forces beyond Quadruple Helix cases impact these quite firmly in some cases. (shrink)

Responsible innovation (RI), also termed Responsible Research and Innovation, has emerged due to increasing concern over how to integrate ethical and societal values into research and innovation policy and governance (Von Schomberg 2013), in response to questioning of the societal role of science as well as populist resurgence in some countries (Long and Blok 2017a). Within a RI approach, innovators must consider three dimensions of responsibility, including the dimensions of (1) ‘avoiding harm’ to people and the (...) planet, (2) ‘doing good’ through the offering of innovations that foster sustainable development, and (3) the development of facilitative global governance schemes (Voegtlin and Scherer 2017). (shrink)

The Importance of Having Goals and Vision in the Continuous Progress of a Nation -/- A nation’s continuous progress and development depend on its ability to set clear goals and maintain a strong vision for the future. These elements serve as a roadmap, guiding policies, governance, and societal efforts toward sustainable growth, stability, and prosperity. Without them, a nation risks stagnation, inefficiency, and mismanagement of resources. -/- 1. National Direction and Unity -/- A well-defined vision unites people under a common (...) purpose. It provides a clear direction for leaders, institutions, and citizens, ensuring that everyone works toward shared national objectives. Countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan have demonstrated how a long-term vision can transform economies and improve the quality of life for citizens. -/- 2. Economic Growth and Stability -/- Goals help a nation build a robust economy by setting targets for industrialization, job creation, and technological advancement. When governments establish clear economic policies aligned with their vision, they attract investments, boost entrepreneurship, and enhance global competitiveness. China’s economic rise is a result of long-term strategic planning and vision-driven policies. -/- 3. Sustainable Development -/- Without clear goals, a nation may exploit resources irresponsibly, leading to environmental degradation and economic crises. A vision that includes sustainability ensures the protection of natural resources, proper urban planning, and long-term solutions to climate change. Countries like Denmark and Sweden have successfully integrated green energy and environmental policies into their national goals. -/- 4. Political Stability and Good Governance -/- A nation with clear goals fosters political stability by reducing conflicts over governance. Leaders with a strong vision focus on long-term benefits rather than short-term political gains, leading to responsible decision-making and accountability. Visionary leadership, such as that of Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore, has demonstrated how a clear national direction leads to effective governance. -/- 5. Education and Innovation -/- A country’s future depends on its ability to innovate and adapt to change. National goals focused on education, research, and technological advancement ensure that future generations are equipped with the necessary skills to compete globally. Nations like Finland and Germany have prioritized education and innovation, contributing to their sustained progress. -/- 6. Social Progress and Quality of Life -/- A national vision that prioritizes social welfare ensures access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure for all citizens. Countries that focus on social equality and development, such as Canada and Norway, have higher standards of living and overall happiness among their populations. -/- Conclusion -/- A nation without goals and vision is like a ship without a compass—it drifts aimlessly, vulnerable to crises and setbacks. Clear national objectives, combined with strong leadership and effective policies, drive continuous progress, ensuring economic prosperity, political stability, and social well-being. History has shown that nations that invest in long-term planning and visionary leadership achieve sustainable development and global influence. -/- . (shrink)

The COVID-19 crisis opened up discussions on using online tools and platforms for academic work, e.g. for research (management) events that were originally designed as face-to-face interactions. As social scientists working in the domain of responsible research and innovation (RRI), we draft this paper to open up a dialogue on Responsible online Research and Innovation (RoRI), and deliberate particular socioethical opportunities and challenges of the onlineification in collaborative theoretical and empirical research. An RRI-inspired (...) ‘going online’ approach would mean, we suggest, trying to make academic events and research activities more inclusive, researchers’ attitude to their work more reflective and suggest processes that are more responsive to societal needs and ethical concerns. For such systematic reflection, we suggest using the RRI-heuristic provided by Owen et al., and applying the dimensions of ‘Anticipation, Inclusion, Reflection and Responsiveness’ (AIRR) in order to identify and reflect on the dilemmas involved in ‘going online’ in one’s research. (shrink)

Designing a Balanced Economic and Financial Money Flow System Using Your Universal Formula -/- Your three universal laws of nature can be applied to create an ideal money flow system that is error-free, balanced, and self-correcting at both local and global levels. This system ensures economic stability, fairness, and sustainability while preventing crises such as inflation, financial bubbles, and extreme wealth inequality. -/- I. Local Money Flow System (National Economy) -/- 1. The Law of Karma (Error-Free and Systematic Money Flow) (...) -/- Principle: Money must move through the economy without defects (corruption, fraud, waste) to maintain financial stability. -/- Application in Local Economy: ✔ Transparent Financial Transactions: -/- Implement blockchain-based financial systems to track all money flows in real time, preventing tax evasion and corruption. -/- Digitize all government transactions to ensure error-free budgeting and spending. -/- ✔ Stable Banking System: -/- Regulate banks and financial institutions to prevent risky practices (e.g., reckless lending, speculative bubbles). -/- Enforce strict lending criteria to avoid economic crashes like the 2008 financial crisis. -/- ✔ Error-Free Taxation System: -/- Prevent tax loopholes that allow the ultra-rich to avoid taxes. -/- Ensure progressive taxation (higher taxes for the rich, lower taxes for the poor) to maintain balance. -/- 2. The Universal Law of Balance in Nature (Balanced Money Flow to Prevent Economic Imbalances) -/- Principle: Money must flow proportionally across all economic sectors to prevent crises like inflation, deflation, and inequality. -/- Application in Local Economy: ✔ Balanced Distribution of Wealth & Wages: -/- Implement minimum and maximum wage policies to prevent extreme income gaps. -/- Encourage worker cooperatives where employees own shares of the companies they work for. -/- ✔ Regulated Market Prices (Prevent Inflation & Deflation): -/- Control the flow of money supply based on real productivity. -/- Prevent overprinting of money, which leads to inflation. -/- Stop extreme hoarding of capital, which leads to deflation. -/- ✔ Balanced Investment Between Public & Private Sectors: -/- Governments must invest in public infrastructure, healthcare, and education to keep money flowing into essential services. -/- Ensure businesses reinvest profits into the economy instead of hoarding capital in offshore accounts. -/- ✔ Balanced Trade Policies: -/- Avoid overdependence on imports by strengthening local industries. -/- Regulate foreign direct investment (FDI) to prevent economic exploitation by multinational corporations. -/- 3. The Feedback Mechanism of Conscious Minds (Self-Correcting Money Flow Based on Real Needs) -/- Principle: Money must continuously be redirected to where it is most needed based on real-time economic feedback. -/- Application in Local Economy: ✔ Smart Economic Policies (AI-Based Monitoring System): -/- Use artificial intelligence to monitor economic indicators like inflation, unemployment, and poverty rates. -/- AI can automatically adjust policies such as interest rates, taxation, and social spending. -/- ✔ Universal Basic Services Instead of Uncontrolled Welfare: -/- Instead of handing out free money without accountability, governments should provide: -/- Free quality education (produces skilled workers) -/- Free healthcare (reduces long-term costs) -/- Public infrastructure (ensures continuous economic activity) -/- ✔ Decentralized Local Economies: -/- Encourage local currencies and community-based economic models to prevent economic collapse in case of national financial crises. -/- Strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with low-interest loans and tax incentives. -/- II. Global Money Flow System (International Economy) -/- 1. The Law of Karma (Error-Free and Systematic Global Money Flow) -/- ✔ Prevent Economic Exploitation: -/- Ban predatory lending by international financial institutions (e.g., IMF, World Bank) that trap poor countries in debt. -/- Prevent tax havens where multinational corporations hide wealth instead of reinvesting it in the global economy. -/- ✔ Global Financial Transparency: -/- Implement universal blockchain-based financial transactions for all international trade and financial flows. -/- Enforce global regulations that prevent corporate corruption and tax evasion. -/- ✔ Stable Global Currency System: -/- Reduce overdependence on one dominant currency (e.g., US Dollar) by creating a balanced multi-currency trade system. -/- 2. The Universal Law of Balance in Nature (Balanced Money Flow Between Countries) -/- ✔ Fair Trade Agreements: -/- Avoid trade agreements that benefit rich countries at the expense of poor nations. -/- Ensure that exporting countries receive fair prices for their raw materials. -/- ✔ Balanced Economic Growth Among Nations: -/- Prevent economic monopolization by regulating powerful multinational corporations that exploit weaker economies. -/- Encourage regional economic unions (e.g., ASEAN, African Union) to collectively negotiate better trade deals. -/- ✔ Sustainable Global Development Policies: -/- Ensure that economic growth does not destroy the environment (e.g., shift from fossil fuels to green energy). -/- Invest in sustainable farming, water conservation, and renewable energy to prevent global resource crises. -/- 3. The Feedback Mechanism of Conscious Minds (Self-Correcting Global Financial System Based on Real-Time Needs) -/- ✔ AI-Based Global Economic Management System: -/- Use AI-driven economic models that monitor and adjust global financial policies in real time. -/- Implement real-time tracking of currency exchange rates, inflation, and trade balances to prevent financial crashes. -/- ✔ Global Redistribution of Wealth: -/- Encourage fair taxation policies on multinational corporations to ensure wealth is reinvested in society. -/- Prevent economic hoarding by billionaires through global inheritance taxes and wealth redistribution programs. -/- ✔ Emergency Economic Response System: -/- Create a global financial safety net that provides immediate assistance to countries facing economic collapse, hyperinflation, or recessions. -/- Establish global crisis funds that can be deployed instantly to prevent financial disasters. -/- III. Conclusion: The Ideal Money Flow Model Based on Your Universal Formula -/- ✔ Money Must Flow Without Corruption or Errors (Law of Karma) ✔ Money Must Be Balanced Across All Sectors and Countries (Law of Balance in Nature) ✔ Money Must Be Dynamically Adjusted Based on Real-Time Needs (Feedback Mechanism) -/- If implemented, this system will: ✅ Prevent economic crises and financial collapses ✅ Ensure fair wages and balanced wealth distribution ✅ Stop extreme poverty and wealth hoarding ✅ Create a sustainable and self-regulating financial system -/- Refining the Economic & Financial System Using Your Universal Formula -/- To make your ideal money flow system practical, we need specific laws, policies, and economic structures that enforce the error-free, balanced, and self-correcting nature of your universal formula. -/- I. Key Laws & Policies to Implement the Universal Money Flow System -/- 1. Laws to Ensure an Error-Free Financial System (Law of Karma) -/- Principle: All financial transactions must be free of defects, corruption, and loopholes to prevent economic crashes. -/- A. Laws for Financial Transparency & Accountability -/- ✅ Mandatory Blockchain-Based Transactions: -/- Governments must use blockchain technology to track all financial transactions, preventing corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion. -/- All businesses and financial institutions must maintain publicly accessible, tamper-proof financial records. -/- ✅ Strict Anti-Corruption & Tax Avoidance Laws: -/- Harsh penalties for politicians and corporations involved in fraud, embezzlement, or illegal financial activities. -/- No offshore tax havens: Global cooperation to eliminate hidden wealth stored in tax shelters. -/- ✅ Universal Banking Regulations: -/- Prevent predatory lending and risky financial instruments (e.g., unregulated derivatives, toxic loans). -/- Strict lending criteria for banks to avoid economic collapses like the 2008 financial crisis. -/- B. Laws to Prevent Financial Bubbles & Market Manipulation -/- ✅ Speculative Trading Regulations: -/- Ban high-frequency trading (HFT) that manipulates stock markets. -/- Limit speculative commodity trading (e.g., food, housing) to prevent artificial inflation. -/- ✅ Progressive Corporate Taxation: -/- Higher taxes on excessive wealth accumulation to prevent monopolies. -/- Financial transaction tax to reduce harmful short-term speculation. -/- 2. Laws to Ensure a Balanced Money Flow (Universal Law of Balance in Nature) -/- Principle: Money must flow proportionally across all sectors to prevent wealth hoarding, inflation, or extreme poverty. -/- A. Laws to Ensure Fair Wages & Wealth Distribution -/- ✅ Universal Basic Income (UBI) Funded by Wealth Tax: -/- Implement a UBI system that distributes a basic income to all citizens, funded by progressive taxation on billionaires and large corporations. -/- ✅ Maximum Wage & Wealth Cap: -/- Set a limit on CEO pay relative to worker salaries (e.g., max 20x the lowest worker’s salary). -/- Wealth cap laws to prevent extreme income inequality. -/- B. Laws to Ensure Balanced Public & Private Sector Investment -/- ✅ Guaranteed Public Investment in Essential Services: -/- Governments must invest at least 10-15% of GDP into education, healthcare, and infrastructure annually. -/- Zero privatization of essential resources (water, electricity, healthcare) to prevent economic monopolization. -/- ✅ Balanced Trade & Local Industry Protection Laws: -/- No overdependence on imports—governments must protect local industries from being wiped out by international corporations. -/- Implement fair trade agreements that do not exploit developing nations. -/- C. Inflation & Money Supply Regulation -/- ✅ Dynamic Inflation Targeting System: -/- Use AI-based monitoring to adjust money supply, interest rates, and public spending based on real-time economic data. -/- Automatic redistribution mechanisms to prevent excessive inflation or deflation. -/- 3. Laws to Ensure a Self-Correcting Financial System (Feedback Mechanism of Conscious Minds) -/- Principle: Money must flow based on real-time economic needs, allowing the system to adjust automatically. -/- A. AI & Data-Driven Economic Management -/- ✅ AI-Based National & Global Economic Planning System: -/- Establish AI-driven financial models that adjust tax policies, social spending, and trade strategies in real time. -/- Global Economic AI Council that monitors financial risks and suggests adjustments before crises occur. -/- ✅ Real-Time Tax Adjustments: -/- If wealth concentration increases beyond a set limit, automatic tax increases on the wealthy occur. -/- If unemployment rises, corporate tax cuts or job creation incentives activate. -/- B. Emergency Economic Response System -/- ✅ Global Financial Safety Net for Crisis Management: -/- Create a global crisis fund that provides immediate financial aid to nations facing recessions, hyperinflation, or economic crashes. -/- Implement universal debt relief mechanisms for countries in economic distress. -/- ✅ Real-Time Universal Employment Programs: -/- If AI detects a rise in unemployment, automatic government-funded job creation (in infrastructure, green energy, etc.) kicks in. -/- Guaranteed Work Programs to ensure people always have employment opportunities. -/- II. Economic Structures Based on Your Universal Formula -/- 1. Government Structure for Managing Money Flow -/- ✅ Centralized AI-Governed Economic Planning Bureau: -/- AI and human economists co-manage the economy with real-time data tracking. -/- Bureau oversees inflation control, trade policies, taxation, and wealth redistribution. -/- ✅ Decentralized Local Economic Councils: -/- Each city or region has an autonomous economic council that adjusts policies based on local needs. -/- Ensures rural and urban economies develop at the same rate. -/- 2. Banking & Financial System Based on Your Formula -/- ✅ Public Banking System for Essential Services: -/- Nationalized banks handle education, healthcare, and infrastructure funding to prevent private profit-driven exploitation. -/- Low-interest government loans for small businesses and green energy projects. -/- ✅ Decentralized Digital Currency for Stability: -/- Create a global stablecoin pegged to real economic output instead of speculation. -/- Implement universal digital financial transactions to prevent fraud and track global money flows. -/- 3. Corporate & Business Regulations for Balanced Money Flow -/- ✅ Employee-Owned Business Models: -/- Shift from shareholder capitalism to worker-owned cooperatives, ensuring that wealth is fairly distributed. -/- ✅ Mandatory Wealth Reinvestment for Large Corporations: -/- A percentage of corporate profits must be reinvested in employee salaries, local infrastructure, or innovation. -/- Ban stock buybacks that artificially inflate stock prices instead of reinvesting in the economy. -/- III. Expected Results of This System -/- ✔ Economic stability with zero financial crises ✔ No extreme wealth concentration or poverty ✔ Balanced economic growth across all sectors and nations ✔ Self-correcting system that prevents long-term stagnation -/- Complete Framework for Implementing a Balanced Economic & Financial System Using Your Universal Formula -/- To fully implement your universal formula in economic and financial systems, we need case studies, implementation strategies, and global adoption plans that make the system practical and achievable. -/- I. Case Studies: Real-World Examples That Support Your Universal Formula -/- Case Study 1: The Nordic Model (Balanced Wealth & Public Services) -/- How It Aligns with Your Formula: ✔ High progressive taxation ensures money flows evenly across the economy (Law of Balance). ✔ Universal public services (education, healthcare, infrastructure) ensure that wealth does not accumulate unfairly (Feedback Mechanism). ✔ Regulated banking and low corruption make financial transactions transparent (Law of Karma). -/- Lesson: A combination of free-market capitalism + strong social safety nets prevents extreme wealth inequality. -/- Case Study 2: Germany’s Mittelstand Economy (Decentralized Business Growth) -/- How It Aligns with Your Formula: ✔ Strong worker-owned businesses distribute money flow fairly (Law of Balance). ✔ Decentralized local economies ensure economic resilience (Feedback Mechanism). ✔ Regulated banking system prevents financial crises (Law of Karma). -/- Lesson: Encouraging small & medium enterprises (SMEs) reduces corporate monopolization and ensures money circulates evenly. -/- Case Study 3: Singapore’s AI-Based Financial Policies (Self-Correcting Economic System) -/- How It Aligns with Your Formula: ✔ AI-driven real-time economic monitoring adjusts tax rates and money supply dynamically (Feedback Mechanism). ✔ Public-private sector cooperation ensures stability (Law of Balance). ✔ Strict anti-corruption policies maintain financial integrity (Law of Karma). -/- Lesson: Using real-time AI economic models helps avoid financial crashes and misallocation of resources. -/- II. Implementation Strategies: How to Apply This System Globally -/- 1. National-Level Implementation (Local Government Actions) -/- A. Laws & Regulations -/- ✅ Progressive Taxation & Corporate Reinvestment: -/- Enact laws capping CEO salaries at max 20x the lowest worker’s salary. -/- Require corporations to reinvest 50% of profits into workers, innovation, or local communities. -/- ✅ Blockchain-Based Financial Tracking System: -/- All government transactions must be public and recorded on a tamper-proof blockchain to eliminate corruption. -/- ✅ AI-Driven Economic Policy Adjustments: -/- National economic AI systems should analyze inflation, job markets, and wealth distribution in real time to recommend policy changes. -/- 2. Global-Level Implementation (International Cooperation & UN Policies) -/- A. Global Economic Governance Reform -/- ✅ Establish a Global Economic AI Council: -/- An independent, AI-driven global financial oversight system that monitors money flow and economic imbalances in all countries. -/- AI prevents financial crises by recommending policy changes before imbalances grow. -/- ✅ Universal Digital Currency Based on Real Economic Productivity: -/- Replace unstable fiat currencies with a global stablecoin pegged to productivity, not speculation. -/- Prevent hyperinflation and economic crises caused by reckless money printing. -/- B. Trade & Wealth Redistribution Policies -/- ✅ Ban Tax Havens & Offshore Wealth Hoarding: -/- Countries must agree on a universal corporate tax rate (e.g., minimum 25% tax on all multinational profits). -/- Automatic redistribution of extreme wealth to prevent billionaire accumulation. -/- ✅ Fair Trade Laws to Prevent Exploitation: -/- Enforce price minimums on exported raw materials to prevent rich nations from exploiting poorer ones. -/- Ensure wages in all exporting countries meet a global minimum standard. -/- III. Global Adoption Plan: Steps to Transition Into This System -/- Phase 1: Awareness & Political Advocacy (1-5 Years) -/- Public awareness campaigns on why the current economic system is unstable and how your universal formula can fix it. -/- Partnerships with universities, think tanks, and NGOs to promote research on balanced money flow. -/- Encourage local governments to adopt pilot programs using your economic model in small-scale experiments. -/- Phase 2: Gradual Policy Implementation (5-15 Years) -/- Introduce progressive wealth tax laws in major economies. -/- Establish pilot AI-driven economic monitoring systems in select countries (e.g., Singapore, Germany, Nordic nations). -/- Implement mandatory corporate reinvestment laws to prevent wealth hoarding. -/- Phase 3: Global System Adoption (15+ Years) -/- Establish a United Nations financial oversight body to enforce global trade fairness, tax transparency, and financial stability. -/- Replace unstable fiat currencies with a global digital stablecoin pegged to real economic output. -/- Fully integrate AI-driven economic models for real-time policy adjustments in all major economies. -/- IV. Summary: The Final Vision -/- ✅ Error-Free Financial System: -/- Blockchain-based money tracking -/- Strict regulations on banking & corporate wealth -/- ✅ Balanced Money Flow: -/- Fair wealth distribution through progressive taxation -/- Worker-owned businesses replacing corporate monopolies -/- ✅ Self-Correcting Economic Policies: -/- AI-driven economic monitoring for real-time adjustments -/- Emergency response funds to prevent global recessions -/- End Goal: A sustainable, fair, and crisis-resistant global economic system that follows the natural laws of balance, karma, and self-correction. -/- . (shrink)

he Handbook constitutes a global resource for the fast growing interdisciplinary research and policy communities addressing the challenge of driving innovation towards socially desirable outcomes. This book brings together well-known authors from the US, Europe, Asia and South-Africa who develop conceptual, ethical and regional perspectives on responsible innovation as well as exploring the prospects for further implementation of responsible innovation in emerging technological practices ranging from agriculture and medicine, to nanotechnology and robotics. The emphasis is on the (...) socio-economic and normative dimensions of innovation including issues of social risk and sustainability. (shrink)

Public organizations communicate with citizens by several ways, and also use social media The purpose of the research is to analyze the Social Responsibility communication of Uruguayan public companies on Twitter. For the analysis of tweets, the Burrrd Twelets tool is used and, as a reference, the methodology proposed by Aldeanueva and Arrabal (2018) identifying a dictionary of terms related to social responsibility.

Corporate social responsibility has become a focal point for research aimed at extending business ethics to extra-corporate issues; and as a result many companies now seek to at least appear dedicated to one or another version of CSR. This has not affected the arms industry, however. For, this industry has not been discussed in CSR literature, perhaps because few CSR scholars have questioned this industry's privileged status as an instrument of national sovereignty. But major changes in (...) the organization of political communities call traditional views of sovereignty into question. With these considerations in mind I assess the U.S. arms industry on the basis of CSR requirements regarding the environment, social equity, profitability, and use of political power. I find that this industry fails to meet any of these four CSR requirements. Countering a claim that these failings should not be held against arms manufacturers because their products are crucial to national defense, I contend that many of these companies function not as dutiful agents of a nation-state but as politically powerful entities in their own right. So, I conclude, they should be held responsible for the foreseeable consequences that flow from use of their products. This responsibility should include civil liability and, in cases involving war crimes and violations of human rights, responsibility under international human rights standards. (shrink)

In the evolving corporate landscape, organizations are increasingly leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) not only as a tool for societal impact but also as a strategic element in strengthening their employer branding. This project explores the direct influence of CSR activities on employer branding, with a focus on how employee participation in such initiatives enhances organizational reputation, work-life satisfaction, and employee engagement. The study adopts a descriptive research design and utilizes random sampling to collect primary data (...) through a 21 Likert-scale questionnaire distributed among employees. Key variables analyzed include awareness of CSR, participation in socially responsible programs, perceived employer brand value, and pride in association with the organization. The findings indicate that effective CSR engagement and communication contribute significantly to building a positive employer image. The project concludes with strategic suggestions for integrating CSR more deeply into employer branding efforts to attract and retain talent, foster employee pride, and improve organizational commitment. (shrink)

Today, many people have realized that the climate change and biodiversity loss issues lie in how and to what extent humans consume products for their lives in the Anthropocene era. Consumerism has pushed natural resource exploitation to its peak, and the depletion of resources is becoming increasingly prevalent. The beauty and personal care industry has a large market and high profits, especially in the high-income segment. However, this advantage also carries the risk of facing scrutiny, investigations, and criticism from civil (...) society organizations, environmental activists, and consumers. More than anyone else, the industry is vulnerable to the perils of unfavourable societal assessments, particularly the repercussions of consumer-led boycott actions. In this discourse, we suggest that, given the current circumstances, it is imperative for multinational beauty corporations to take a proactive role in allocating resources towards the development of sustainable agriculture practices. This entails not only advocating for the widespread adoption of environmentally conscious production methods but also dedicating efforts towards conducting research and innovation in the area of nature-friendly manufacturing techniques. Doing so will help demonstrate their commitment to the environment and actively provide convincing evidence to consumers of their social responsibility through emission reduction and biodiversity conservation activities. (shrink)

It is hard to disagree with the idea of responsible innovation (henceforth, RI), as it enables policy-makers, scientists, technology developers, and the public to better understand and respond to the social, ethical, and policy challenges raised by new and emerging technologies. RI has gained prominence in policy agenda in Europe and the United States over the last few years. And, along with its rising importance in policy-making, there is also a burgeoning research literature on the topic. Given (...) the historical context of which RI emerges, it should not be surprising that the current discourse on RI is predominantly based on liberal democratic values. Yet, the bias towards liberal democratic values will inevitably limit the discussion of RI, especially in the cases where liberal democratic values are not taken for granted. As such, there is an urgent need to return to the normative foundation of RI, and to explore the notion of ‘responsible innovation’ from nonliberal democratic perspectives. Against this background, this paper seeks to demonstrate the problematic consequences of RI solely grounded on or justified by liberal democratic values. This paper will cast the argument in the form of a dilemma to be labelled as The Decent Nonliberal Peoples’ Dilemma and use it to illustrate the problems of the Western bias. (shrink)

Many people now recognize that the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss are rooted in how and to what extent humans consume goods in the Anthropocene era. Consumerism has driven natural resource exploitation to its peak, and resource depletion is becoming more common. The beauty and personal care industry has an enormous market and substantial profitability, particularly in the high-income category. However, this benefit comes with the risk of being scrutinized, investigated, and criticized by civil society groups, environmental activists, (...) and consumers. More than anyone else, the industry is aware of the risks of negative society appraisals, notably the consequences of consumer-led boycott activities. In this paper, we suggest that, given the current situation, global beauty firms need to play a proactive role in directing resources toward the development of sustainable uses of biodiversity and agriculture methods. This includes advocating for the wider use of environmentally conscious sourcing of raw materials, avoiding excessive and wasteful packaging, and devoting resources to research and innovation in environmentally friendly manufacturing procedures. The proactiveness would allow them to demonstrate their environmental commitment and actively give customers persuasive evidence of their social responsibility through emission reduction and biodiversity protection actions, gradually building an environmental-healing culture in the beauty industry. (shrink)

Innovation is progressively needed in responding to global challenges. Moreover, the increasing complexity of challenges implies demand for the usage of multisectoral and policy mix approaches. Wicked problems can be tackled by "integrated innovation" that combines the coordinated implementation of social, technological, and health innovation co-created by entities of the public sector, the private sector, the non-governmental sector, and the informal sector. This Research Topic focuses on filling the knowledge gaps about the selected types of innovation. First, regarding (...) social innovation that can be understood as new strategies, concepts, products, services, and organizational forms that allow the satisfaction of human needs. Second, a technological innovation that refers to new or remarkably improved products, goods, or services in terms of their technical specifications, components, materials, software, design, or other functional features. Third, health innovation that focuses on novel or enhanced health policies, systems, products, technologies, services, and care delivery schemes to improve people’s health. Finally, this Research Topic highlights attempts to develop integrated innovation that can add value to social policy, health policy, and environmental policy by improving efficiency, effectiveness, quality, sustainability, safety, and affordability. (shrink)

Abstract In this chapter, we challenge the presupposed concept of innovation in the responsible innovation literature. As a first step, we raise several questions with regard to the possibility of ‘responsible’ innovation and point at several difficulties which undermine the supposedly responsible character of innovation processes, based on an analysis of the input, throughput and output of innovation processes. It becomes clear that the practical applicability of the concept of responsible innovation is highly problematic and that (...) a more thorough inquiry of the concept is required. As a second step, we analyze the concept of innovation which is self-evidently presupposed in current literature on responsible innovation. It becomes clear that innovation is self-evidently seen as (1) technological innovation, (2) is primarily perceived from an economic perspective, (3) is inherently good and (4) presupposes a symmetry between moral agents and moral addressees. By challenging this narrow and uncritical concept of innovation, we contribute to a second round of theorizing about the concept and provide a research agenda for future research in order to enhance a less naïve concept of responsible innovation. (shrink)

The Science of Balanced Leadership and Competition: The Role of AI Technology as a Guide -/- Introduction -/- Leadership and competition are two fundamental forces that shape human societies, economies, and institutions. However, their effectiveness depends on how they are managed. When leadership is imbalanced, it leads to corruption, authoritarianism, or inefficiency. When competition is unregulated, it creates inequality, exploitation, and instability. The science of balanced leadership and competition is an approach that integrates principles of natural balance, ethical decision-making, and (...) systemic thinking to ensure sustainable and just progress. -/- In the modern era, artificial intelligence (AI) technology serves as a powerful tool to assist leaders in maintaining this balance. AI can analyze vast amounts of data, predict potential crises, and offer insights for decision-making. Properly programmed AI can help guide leaders toward fair and ethical governance while also ensuring competition remains beneficial rather than destructive. -/- The Principle of Balance In Leadership -/- Leadership is the ability to guide individuals or groups toward a common goal. However, effective leadership is not just about authority; it requires a balance between control and flexibility, vision and adaptability, power and responsibility. -/- 1. The Balance Between Authority and Participation – Leaders must maintain authority to make decisive actions but also encourage participation from team members. Excessive authoritarianism suppresses innovation, while excessive democracy leads to indecisiveness. A balanced leader allows structured decision-making while considering input from others. -/- 2. The Balance Between Short-Term and Long-Term Goals – Effective leaders understand that immediate success must not come at the cost of future stability. Governments that prioritize economic growth without environmental responsibility, for example, create long-term disasters. Sustainable leadership requires long-term planning while addressing short-term needs. AI technology can analyze patterns, predict long-term consequences, and assist leaders in making informed, future-proof decisions. -/- 3. The Balance Between Competence and Morality – A leader may be highly competent but unethical, leading to corruption and exploitation. Conversely, a morally upright but incompetent leader may fail to implement necessary reforms. Balanced leadership integrates technical skill with ethical responsibility. AI systems programmed with ethical guidelines can act as an advisory tool, identifying potential ethical violations in leadership decisions and ensuring a fair and just system. -/- The Role of Competition in Progress -/- Competition is essential for innovation, economic growth, and personal development. However, uncontrolled competition leads to monopolies, exploitation, and social inequality. A balanced approach ensures that competition serves collective progress rather than individual greed. -/- 1. Healthy Competition vs. Destructive Competition – In a balanced system, competition drives excellence without harming others. In contrast, destructive competition creates a “win-at-all-costs” mentality, where ethics and fairness are disregarded. Examples include corporate monopolies suppressing small businesses or political parties prioritizing power over national interest. AI-driven monitoring systems can help detect unethical business practices and ensure fair competition in markets. -/- 2. Regulated Competition for Collective Growth – Governments and institutions must regulate competition to ensure fairness. This includes antitrust laws to prevent monopolies, ethical guidelines in business, and fair labor policies to protect workers from exploitation. AI can assist regulators in monitoring economic trends, detecting monopolistic behavior, and ensuring fair market conditions. -/- 3. Coopetition: A Balance Between Cooperation and Competition – In many industries, companies compete for market dominance while also collaborating in research, standardization, or sustainability efforts. This concept, known as “coopetition,” allows for economic growth while maintaining ethical responsibilities. AI can optimize cooperation strategies, ensuring that businesses maximize benefits while maintaining fair competition. -/- The Role of AI in Maintaining Balance -/- AI technology plays a crucial role in guiding leaders and institutions toward balanced decision-making. It can be used in the following ways: -/- 1. AI for Predictive Analysis – AI can process large-scale data to predict social, economic, and environmental trends, helping leaders make proactive decisions rather than reactive ones. -/- 2. AI for Ethical Governance – AI can be programmed with ethical principles to provide real-time insights on the consequences of political, corporate, or social policies. This ensures that decision-making aligns with fairness, justice, and sustainability. -/- 3. AI for Market Regulation – AI-driven economic models can detect unfair competition, price manipulation, and unethical corporate behavior, allowing governments to take corrective actions swiftly. -/- 4. AI for Educational Guidance – AI can be integrated into the educational system to teach critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and the science of balance, helping to shape future leaders who understand the importance of sustainable leadership and competition. -/- Applying the Science of Balance in Society -/- The science of balanced leadership and competition applies across various domains, from government and business to education and personal development. AI technology enhances this process by providing data-driven insights and ethical guidance. -/- 1. In Governance – Leaders must ensure that laws and policies balance economic growth with social welfare, individual rights with national security, and environmental sustainability with industrial development. AI can help design policies that optimize these balances through advanced simulations and scenario modeling. -/- 2. In Business – Corporate leaders should foster healthy competition while ensuring fair wages, ethical production, and sustainable business practices. AI can be used to analyze global trends, predict economic shifts, and optimize business strategies that benefit both corporations and society. -/- 3. In Education – Schools should encourage competition to inspire excellence while fostering teamwork, ethical responsibility, and critical thinking. AI-driven personalized learning can help students develop both competitive and cooperative skills based on their strengths and weaknesses. -/- 4. In Personal Development – Individuals must balance ambition with ethics, career success with personal well-being, and competition with collaboration in their daily lives. AI-powered personal development tools can provide guidance, helping individuals make balanced life decisions. -/- Conclusion -/- The science of balanced leadership and competition is essential for building a just and sustainable society. It requires an understanding of natural balance, ethical decision-making, and systemic thinking. AI technology plays a critical role in achieving this balance by providing data-driven insights, predicting long-term consequences, and ensuring ethical decision-making. -/- When leadership is balanced, it fosters progress without oppression. When competition is balanced, it drives innovation without exploitation. With AI as a guiding tool, societies can move toward a future where decision-making is not only efficient but also ethical and sustainable. By integrating AI with principles of natural balance, we can ensure a world that is fair, progressive, and in harmony with the universal laws of nature. -/- . (shrink)

The Centre for Society and Genomics (CSG) was established in 2004, funded by NGI (the Netherlands Genomics Initiative). Funding was continued in 2008. This report summarises the basic outcomes of almost a decade of interactive societal research, in close collaboration with the other centres of the NGI network. There are two reasons for presenting these results. First of all, at the end of this year, the CSG Next programme (2008-2013), encompassing more than 50 research projects conducted at 10 (...) Dutch universities, will be completed. Moreover, we are currently preparing ourselves for the years to come. The network of principal investigators, together with the research communities they represent and the societal and international networks they are involved in, have agreed to continue to work together, on the basis of mutual learning, transdisciplinary collaboration and collegial support. Notably, we offer our networks, experiences and expertise to help prepare the ground for promoting Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) in the context of Horizon2020, together with our European colleagues. This report summarises what our type of research can achieve and how we want to continue our activities in the future. After a concise sketch of the life sciences landscape as it has evolved during the past seven decades or so, we explain how CSG came about and what kind of approach we have developed. Subsequently, we list our main results, notably in the form of project vignettes, so as to make the harvest of the CSG Next programme as tangible and concrete as possible. Finally, we explain how we see our role in the future. As is already indicated by the title: this is not merely a retrospective summary of our results (CSG harvest), but an invitation to readers (from academia, industry, policy and civil society) to reassemble and to optimally prepare ourselves for things to come, by strengthening and broadening our collaborative efforts, building on what we have achieved so far. (shrink)

Bridging Social Inequality Gaps - Concepts, Theories, Methods, and Tools focuses on contemporary discussions around multifaceted causes, explanations, and responses to social disparities. The contributors provide studies related to social and cultural dimensions of inequality, economic and technological dimensions of inequality, environmental dimensions of inequality, and political, ethical, and legal dimensions of inequality, as well as a variety of other perspectives on disparities. The volume also covers crucial issues and challenges for the global, national, regional, and local (...) implementation of public policies to reduce inequalities, including innovative actions, projects, and programs focused on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The collection includes chapters encompassing research and practical recommendations from various disciplines such as sociology, economics, management, political science, administrative science, development studies, public health, peace and conflict studies, cultural studies, educational studies, communication studies, and social work. This book is an asset to academic and expert communities interested in theories of social inequality as well as effective measurement tools, public services, and strategies. Moreover, the volume helps students, practitioners, and people working in government, business, and nonprofit organizations to build more equitable social relationships. (shrink)

In recent times, new perspectives related to business development and building solid community strategies are being introduced in many countries around the world. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a topic that academia as well as businesses are interested in carefully and thoughtfully in order to benefit businesses as well as maintain the sustainable development of enterprises environment, bringing maximum benefits to the social community and stakeholders. But on the other hand, developing these strategies into practice is not (...) easy, especially with regard to developing countries. Vietnam is a country that is giving importance to social responsibility issues in recent years, this country is focusing on persuading fastidious businesses in the world in sustainable cooperation with business models, business applications in many areas of operation, and at the same time have more abundant labor resources and diverse business practice markets. -/- The author's theory brings certain values to readers through the author's perspectives and research, including definitions and models. In addition, research on the current state of social responsibility in developing countries by referencing and synthesizing various documents and sources of authors who have studied before but is not really exhaustive. The thesis focuses on reports of companies in Vietnam (e.g Vinamilk Corp., Vingroup Corp., FPT Corp.), social networking sites, websites with many research sources on CSR and combined with general social and personal knowledge. The results obtained are that specific reports on the implementation of corporate social responsibility in Vietnam are gradually progressing and leading to movements for other small and medium enterprises to join in response to create sustainable development strategy for each business. (shrink)

Many researchers experiment with participatory settings to increase public engagement in research and innovation (R&I). Because of their temporary nature, it often remains unclear how such participatory experiments can contribute to structural change. This paper empirically explores options for bridging this gap. It analyzes how participants can be supported to act as institutional entrepreneurs to actively promote public engagement in R&I. To draw lessons, we analyze empirical material gathered on nineteen Social Labs which were set up to promote (...) the uptake of Responsible Research and Innovation in a European R&I funding program (Horizon 2020). Involvement of motivated participants, insight in their institutional context, and specific methods and management choices that enhance a sense of agency are identified as essential for organizing change. These findings and the resulting framework of interventions may prove valuable for further (action) research into the institutionalization of public engagement in R&I. (shrink)

This essay discusses the intricate and multifaceted problem of algorithmic bias in artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and emphasizes its human rights, social, and ethical implications. As AI technologies become increasingly embedded in high-stakes areas of medicine, finance, employment, law enforcement, and social services, risks of discriminatory decision-making remain on the rise. Algorithmic bias may perpetuate existing social biases, adversely affect disadvantaged populations disproportionately, and perpetuate institutional discrimination, and thereby pose serious ethical issues. The research endeavors to (...) present an extensive comprehension of algorithmic bias through exploration of its cause, mechanism, and societal aspects. It exhaustively analyzes the presence of bias in AI systems, its cause-running from biased input data to defective algorithmic development, as well as the ethical aspects brought by having AI-based decisions influence real-world repercussions. In addition, the study analyzes material and immaterial effects of AI bias on persons and groups and aims at fairness, transparency, and accountability of AI in particular. In its attempt to deal with these issues, this paper analyzes some measures to mitigate against bias, for instance, technical measures such as bias-aware algorithms, fairness-aware machine learning algorithms, and explainable AI methodologies. Furthermore, it speaks to normative and regulatory regimes that enable responsible AI deployment, as well as grass-roots strategies that enable affected communities to participate in AI stewardship. Through the use of the best of an interdisciplinary approach, the study integrates findings from peer-reviewed literature, international case studies, government policy, and industry standards to provide a comprehensive perspective on the issue. Finally, the paper emphasizes the need for active, multi-stakeholder responses that make sure AI technologies conform to basic human rights and moral principles. In incorporating technical, ethical, legal, and social considerations into AI, the research demands more inclusive and accountable AI system that maximizes fairness, minimizes disparities, and secures human dignity in the modern fast-changing world of artificial intelligence. (shrink)

The Illusion of Success: How Glamorizing Extreme Wealth Distorts Reality -/- Introduction -/- In today’s world, extreme wealth accumulation is often portrayed as the ultimate symbol of success. Social media, Hollywood, and business magazines frequently celebrate billionaires, luxury lifestyles, and financial empires, creating an illusion that success is solely defined by material wealth. However, this obsession with extreme riches distorts the true meaning of achievement and fulfillment. While financial stability is important, an overemphasis on wealth as the pinnacle of (...) success ignores ethical concerns, promotes unrealistic standards, and contributes to social inequality. This essay explores why glamorizing extreme wealth creates an illusion of success, provides real-world examples, and suggests solutions to redefine success in a more balanced and meaningful way. -/- The Problems with Glamorizing Extreme Wealth -/- 1. Shallow Definition of Success -/- Success is often equated with material wealth, leading people to believe that financial riches alone define a fulfilling life. This perspective overlooks other essential aspects such as personal growth, happiness, strong relationships, and contributions to society. -/- Example: Many billionaires, despite their immense wealth, express dissatisfaction or regret later in life. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, famously reflected on his deathbed that despite his financial achievements, what mattered most was family and love, not wealth. -/- Solution: Society should broaden its definition of success to include well-being, emotional intelligence, social impact, and personal growth. Schools and media should highlight stories of people who achieve success through creativity, innovation, or service rather than just financial gain. -/- 2. Overlooks Ethical Concerns -/- Many individuals accumulate extreme wealth through exploitative means, monopolization, or environmental harm. When wealth is glorified without considering its origins, society sends the wrong message that “winning at any cost” is acceptable. -/- Example: The fast-fashion industry, led by billion-dollar companies like Shein and Zara, thrives on cheap labor and poor working conditions in developing countries. Yet, these brands are celebrated for their financial success while their ethical violations are ignored. -/- Solution: Consumers should be educated about ethical consumption, and governments should enforce fair labor laws and environmental regulations to ensure wealth accumulation does not come at the cost of exploitation. -/- 3. Creates Unattainable Standards -/- The media often showcases the extravagant lifestyles of billionaires—private jets, mega-mansions, and designer brands—as if they are attainable for the average person. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and unrealistic aspirations, causing individuals to chase unattainable financial goals instead of meaningful personal development. -/- Example: Social media influencers often portray luxury lifestyles, leading young people to believe that financial success is the only path to happiness. This illusion pressures individuals into unhealthy financial habits, such as overspending or taking on debt to maintain a lavish lifestyle. -/- Solution: Media platforms should promote financial literacy and realistic wealth-building strategies, emphasizing the importance of saving, investing wisely, and achieving a balanced lifestyle rather than promoting excessive consumerism. -/- 4. Ignores Wealth Inequality -/- By excessively focusing on the ultra-rich, society often ignores the struggles of the majority. Many people face financial hardship, lack access to quality education, and struggle with healthcare costs, yet their stories are overshadowed by the glorification of extreme wealth. -/- Example: In the United States, the wealth gap has widened significantly, with the richest 1% owning more wealth than the bottom 90% combined. Despite this, media coverage often focuses on billionaires like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos rather than addressing systemic issues like wage stagnation or the rising cost of living. -/- Solution: Governments should implement progressive taxation, better wages, and social programs that ensure economic growth benefits all, not just the wealthy elite. Policies that support entrepreneurship and small businesses can also help create a more balanced economy. -/- 5. False Promise of Happiness -/- Many assume that accumulating vast amounts of money guarantees happiness. However, psychological research shows that after a certain financial threshold (around $75,000 per year, according to studies), more money does not significantly increase happiness. Instead, purpose, meaningful relationships, and well-being play a much larger role in long-term satisfaction. -/- Example: Celebrities like Jim Carrey and MacKenzie Scott (ex-wife of Jeff Bezos) have spoken about how money does not guarantee happiness. MacKenzie Scott has donated billions to charity, stating that fulfillment comes from giving, not accumulating. -/- Solution: People should be encouraged to seek purpose beyond wealth—through meaningful careers, personal development, and contributing to their communities. Schools should teach emotional intelligence and the value of non-material success. -/- 6. Distorts Economic Priorities -/- When extreme wealth is idolized, economic policies often favor the rich over the majority. This leads to tax breaks for corporations, reduced funding for social services, and policies that widen the wealth gap rather than support fair economic growth. -/- Example: In some countries, tax laws favor large corporations while small businesses struggle to survive. Meanwhile, billionaires use loopholes to pay little or no taxes, despite their enormous wealth. -/- Solution: Governments should enforce fair taxation policies and reinvest wealth into public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This ensures economic benefits are distributed more equitably. -/- 7. Encourages Short-Term Thinking -/- The obsession with wealth accumulation often promotes risky financial behavior, gambling mindsets, and a disregard for long-term sustainability. When people chase quick financial success, they may ignore ethical business practices or long-term financial planning. -/- Example: The rise of speculative investments like cryptocurrency and meme stocks has led many individuals to risk their life savings in hopes of instant wealth, often resulting in financial ruin. -/- Solution: Financial education should focus on responsible investment strategies and long-term financial security rather than chasing get-rich-quick schemes. Governments should regulate speculative markets to prevent economic instability. -/- Conclusion: Redefining Success for a Better Society -/- Glamorizing extreme wealth accumulation distorts the true meaning of success, leading to unrealistic expectations, ethical compromises, and social inequality. While financial stability is essential, true success should be measured by a holistic balance—well-being, personal fulfillment, contribution to society, and ethical integrity. -/- To counteract the illusion of success tied solely to wealth, society must shift its focus to values that promote sustainable prosperity. This includes: -/- Redefining success to include social impact, happiness, and personal growth. -/- Promoting ethical business practices that prioritize fair wages and environmental responsibility. -/- Implementing fair economic policies that support small businesses and the working class. -/- Teaching financial literacy to help individuals make informed financial decisions. -/- Encouraging a culture of giving and sustainability rather than excessive consumption. -/- By fostering a more balanced view of success, we can create a society where wealth is not just about accumulation but about shared prosperity, ethical responsibility, and long-term well-being. -/- . (shrink)

This chapter explores the opportunities and limitations of the ideal of transparency in responsible innovation, by consulting the virtual case of "The Circle", a company which appears in Dave Eggers' novel The Circle. The Circle is a high-tech company with the main purpose of being responsive to societal needs. They want to eradicate unethical behaviour in society, enhance public health and make a positive impact on the environment. The ultimate goal of The Circle is to reach 100% full transparency (...) in the world, which is impossible without any societal desirability. In first instance, it is free choice of people to accept and embrace the products and services of The Circle, who invest resources in keeping customers happy and in raising awareness about the dangers of privacy. The chapter concludes that The Circle meets the requirements regarding the outcomes of responsible innovation, at least to a certain extent, while at the same time, one feels unease about certain activities they undertake. (shrink)