Megaproject responsible innovation: concept, framework, and governance

The reliability and sustainability of innovation in megaprojects are of critical importance with complex stakeholders and substantial resource investments. In that respect, responsible innovation management is the key to the sustainable development of megaprojects. This paper proposes the concept of megaproject responsible innovation (MRI) and develops a holistic framework for MRI with four dimensions: (1) anticipation across the megaproject life cycle, (2) inclusion of various parties in a relationship of symbiosis, competition, and cooperation, (3) reflexivity of social responsibility, and (4) responsiveness to social expectations. Based on an ecosystem approach to megaproject innovation, we propose an ecological governance strategy for MIR. Moreover, different approaches are needed in innovation organizations which are part of specific ecological niches for effective and efficient governance.