The overall aim of WBC-RRI.NET is to foster the application of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles at the territorial level in Western Balkan Countries (WBCs), so as to then promote a multi-level steering R&I governance framework. The RRI principles will act as enablers to the shared learning and diffusion of R&I governance innovations at the territorial level and this in turn can lead to enhancing R&I planning, including the existent or upcoming Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) in the WBCs.

This framework will be based on a ‘smart directionality’ approach ─been indicated as beneficial to regional ecosystems─ as well as on a regional and local innovation planning, a concept to which citizens will also be brought closer through the RRI principles. R&I planning and S3 strategies will thus have the potential to be characterised by an RRI-driven open and inclusive approach, entailing a comprehensive stakeholder involvement and engagement with a focus on citizens’ participation. The approach described is also based on the rationale that the RRI concept ─mostly adapted to the level of research institutions ─can also be applied to the level of regional and territorial research and innovation governance.

Operationally, RRI activities will be performed throughout the entire course of the project (horizontal aspect), raising an active dialogue in the wider WB region and fostering the comprehension of all RRI pillars under a holistic framework. Alongside, a set of RRI ‘anchor’ initiatives (vertical aspect) will touch-in depth specific RRI keys in 5 WB territories:

1. Kune-Vain- Tale Lagoon wetland ecosystem (Albania)
2. Republic Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
3. Country of Montenegro
4. Skopje planning region (North Macedonia)
5. Province of Vojvodina (Serbia)