Innovation intermediaries at the convergence of digital technologies, sustainability, and governance: A case study of AI-enabled engineering biology

Abstract

We probe the missions and practices of innovation intermediaries involved in the convergence of digital technologies, focusing on the case of AI-enabled engineering biology (AI-EB). As in other areas of emerging digitalization, applications and commercialization in this convergent technology domain raise multiple societal, ethical, and sustainability questions. Through interviews with various stakeholders involved in the AI-EB innovation ecosystem, we explore the extent to which these innovation intermediaries, as pivotal actors in innovation ecosystem development, are embedding attention to societal and sustainability objectives and concerns as well as facilitating economic goals. Notwithstanding available frameworks for responsible innovation that encourage attention to societal and sustainability implications, we find that innovation intermediaries in the engineering biology domain continue to emphasize conventional scale-up and commercialization approaches. Insights for intermediary development, research management, and policy are explored.