Integrating responsible research and innovation principles into social entrepreneurship processes: a framework for enhancing responsible social value creation

This study examines how Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles — anticipation, reflection, inclusion, and responsiveness — enhance social entrepreneurship processes addressing societal challenges. Using qualitative multiple case study analysis of three social enterprises (RVA Works, Takeout 25, and Rebecca's Natural Foods), we explore RRI application across key stages: idea generation, impact measurement, financial sustainability, and scaling. The findings reveal that while social entrepreneurs intuitively incorporate some RRI elements, systematic application of all four principles provides structured approaches to ethical, inclusive, and sustainable dimensions often overlooked. The study contributes theoretically by (1) bridging RRI and social entrepreneurship, demonstrating how principles enhance each process stage; and (2) advancing understanding of user-centered social innovation through inclusivity-driven systemic change. Our framework offers entrepreneurs a practical roadmap for developing responsible innovations that increase social impact and long-term viability.