Emerging Opportunities and Emerging Risks: Reflexive Innovation and the Case of Pervasive Computing

The success or failure of innovations does not depend solely on market developments - defined by companies, consumers and the legal framework: The course of innovation processes is also influenced by how the public deals with the opportunities and risks of innovations. As early as 2005, it was assumed that the importance of the public for the realisation of innovation potential in the economy and society would increase.

Scientists from the fields of environmental and technology sociology, technology law, technology assessment and social science risk research cooperated on the project. Using the example of "pervasive computing", the traditional innovation model with the core areas of innovation network, market and regulation was embedded in a context defined by the four influencing variables of the media, the public (as affected laypersons), civil society groups (NGOs) and scientific experts. The aim was to develop an updated innovation model (reflexive innovation model). In addition to this theory-oriented goal, a significant contribution was made in practical terms to develop legally tested recommendations for the management of innovation risks of pervasive computing by market players and stakeholders.

The example of "pervasive computing" was particularly suitable for the development of such a reflexive innovation model. On the one hand, pervasive computing applications harbour great potential, such as supporting users in their everyday lives or designing processes within and between companies. On the other hand, pervasive computing applications also fuel fears, for example of total surveillance of citizens in all areas of life. Pervasive computing systems and their applications fulfil the characteristics of systemic risks, i.e. complex chains of effects with possible damaging events, high intrinsic uncertainties and strong ambivalence in the assessment of effects by social actors.

In addition to a case study analysis of the "pay per risk/pay per use" field of application, the methodological approach of the interdisciplinary project included an intercultural and international comparison of aspects of risk and innovation management as well as the associated legal and regulatory framework using the example of the USA and Japan. In addition, a comparison with earlier lines of development in the areas of "electrosmog" and "e-commerce" provided further insights. Expert discussions and focus groups with market players and stakeholders complemented the range of methods.