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Advancing Marine Sustainability Capacity in the Black Sea—Insights from Open Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI)

Author

Listed:
  • Elena Bisinicu

    (Ecology and Marine Biology Department, National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, 300 Mamaia Blvd., 900581 Constanta, Romania)

  • Luminita Lazar

    (Chemical Oceanography and Marine Pollution Department, National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, 300 Mamaia Blvd., 900581 Constanta, Romania)

  • Mihaela Mirea Candea

    (LOMARTOV S.L, Carrer de Alfareria, 3, 4610 Burjassot, València, Spain)

  • Elena Garcia Serra

    (LOMARTOV S.L, Carrer de Alfareria, 3, 4610 Burjassot, València, Spain)

Abstract

Open Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI) promotes ethical, inclusive, and transparent research aligned with sustainability goals and societal values. This systematic review examines the implementation of ORRI principles in marine research across the Black Sea region—a geopolitically fragmented and under-resourced context—and explores their implications for the broader Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) discourse. Using PRISMA methodology and bibliometric mapping, we analyzed the peer-reviewed literature and project deliverables from 2014 to 2024, focusing on six ORRI pillars: public engagement, science education, open access, gender equality, ethics, and governance. The findings indicate consistent progress in public engagement and science education, particularly through citizen science and stakeholder training. However, ethics, gender equity, and governance remain weakly institutionalized, with most ORRI practices driven by short-term, externally funded projects. To contextualize these results, we introduce a comparative framework contrasting the Black Sea’s scaffolded model of ORRI with structurally embedded models in Northern and Western Europe. This framework highlights disparities in capacity, funding, and institutional maturity that shape regional implementation. Conceptually, the study contributes to RRI theory by proposing a flexible, context-sensitive model for under-resourced regions. It supports SDGs 4, 5, 14, 16, and 17 and emphasizes the need for durable, inclusive approaches to responsible research and sustainability education.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Bisinicu & Luminita Lazar & Mihaela Mirea Candea & Elena Garcia Serra, 2025. "Advancing Marine Sustainability Capacity in the Black Sea—Insights from Open Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5656-:d:1682878
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Despoina Kanteler & Ioannis Bakouros, 2024. "Enhancing cross-border disaster management in the Balkans: a framework for collaboration part I," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 1-28, December.
    2. Elena Ristea & Oana Cristina Pârvulescu & Vasile Lavric & Andra Oros, 2025. "Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination of Seawater and Sediments Along the Romanian Black Sea Coast: Spatial Distribution and Environmental Implications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-31, March.
    3. Mustafa Tufan Turp & Nazan An & Başak Bilgin & Gamze Şimşir & Bora Orgen & Mehmet Levent Kurnaz, 2023. "Projected Summer Tourism Potential of the Black Sea Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    4. Luminita Lazar & Oana Vlas & Elena Pantea & Laura Boicenco & Oana Marin & Valeria Abaza & Adrian Filimon & Elena Bisinicu, 2024. "Black Sea Eutrophication Comparative Analysis of Intensity between Coastal and Offshore Waters," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-36, June.
    5. Luminita Lazar & Laura Boicenco & Elena Pantea & Florin Timofte & Oana Vlas & Elena Bișinicu, 2024. "Modeling Dynamic Processes in the Black Sea Pelagic Habitat—Causal Connections between Abiotic and Biotic Factors in Two Climate Change Scenarios," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-24, February.
    6. Sarah Lothian & Bianca Haas, 2024. "The Outliers: Stories of Success in Implementing Sustainable Development Goal 14," Ocean and Society, Cogitatio Press, vol. 1.
    7. Elena Bisinicu & Valeria Abaza & Laura Boicenco & Filimon Adrian & George-Emanuel Harcota & Oana Marin & Andra Oros & Elena Pantea & Alina Spinu & Florin Timofte & George Tiganov & Oana Vlas & Luminit, 2024. "Spatial Cumulative Assessment of Impact Risk-Implementing Ecosystem-Based Management for Enhanced Sustainability and Biodiversity in the Black Sea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-27, May.
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