Together in Front of the Mirror: Collective Reflexivity as a Portraying Tool of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) in a French University Innovation Space

This paper explores how reflexivity can portray Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) practices within university innovation spaces (UIS). While RRI has gained prominence, the challenge lies in translating framework programs to everyday practices in smaller innovation environments. This is crucial because RRI aims to align scientific research with societal needs, and effective assessment is essential for its appropriation. The research question addressed is: how can university innovation spaces use reflexivity to portray their engagement with RRI? Using an action research approach, this study was conducted in a French UIS. The methodology involves qualitative methods to critically examine practices across RRI dimensions. The findings present a comprehensive portrayal of the case in terms of RRI and offer new insights into the use of reflexivity as a portrayal tool. Additionally, the study highlights the hybrid governance model that this space follows, balancing collaborative ideals and institutional realities. The methodology offers two contributions: (1) a flexible assessment rationale for small and medium-sized organizations implementing RRI, addressing the limitations of indicator-based evaluations, and (2) insights into governance models within innovation spaces. The implications include expanding RRI literature by demonstrating how reflexivity can operationalize and assess RRI, advocating for qualitative and context-sensitive approaches.