Transformative innovation policy meets responsible research and innovation: a critical reflection

Abstract Transformative Innovation Policy has emerged as a forward-looking framework for rethinking science, technology, and innovation policies that address societal needs while promoting sustainable and inclusive development. The Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium (TIPC) fosters transdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore the theory and practice of this type of policy. This paper examines how TIPC’s research aligns with the Responsible Research and Innovation dimensions of anticipation, reflexivity, inclusion, and responsiveness. Drawing on insights from a Learning History of TIPC’s first phase, an approach that captures the lived experiences and reflections of participants, we present seven key learnings. Our analysis underscores the need to deepen anticipatory capacities, broaden inclusion, and enhance responsiveness to emerging challenges. Reflexivity emerges as a particular strength within TIPC’s approach. We argue that Responsible Research and Innovation can benefit from TIPC’s focus on sustainability, care, systemic transformation, and deep learning, offering a more integrated approach to innovation policy.