Analysing responsible innovation along a value chain-A single-cell protein case study.

Area of Science:

• Responsible Innovation
• Sustainable Animal Feed
• Food Safety

Background:

• The British Standards Institution's Publicly Available Specification 440 (PAS 440) offers a Responsible Innovation Framework (RIF).
• RIF aids companies in monitoring innovation benefits and risks, including societal, environmental, and health impacts.
• PAS 440 aims to ensure timely innovation benefits and prevent harm or misuse of new products, processes, or services.

Observation:

• The PAS 440 RIF was applied to a novel single-cell protein (SCP) animal feed ingredient.
• Perspectives from value chain partners (VCPs), companies, and laboratories in an Innovate UK project were considered.
• The study examined the application of RIF in a real-world innovation context.

Findings:

• Value chain partners (VCPs) can utilize PAS 440 to demonstrate responsible innovation practices.
• The RIF approach, applied across the value chain, supports sustainable development in the animal feed sector.
• Responsible innovation practices were shown to be feasible and beneficial for VCPs.

Implications:

• Implementing PAS 440 can facilitate product progression through the value chain.
• The framework aids in coordinating responsible behavior among companies involved in innovation.
• This approach supports the economic and environmental sustainability of the animal feed sector through responsible innovation.