This thesis deals with Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). The objectives of the work are to clarify the term RRI and to identify the current state of research in the field. RRI is a concept significantly shaped by the European Commission (EC). It is composed of responsibility, research and innovation, which will be considered individually to begin with. According to the definition by Clausen (2009) used here, responsibility is made up of a subject ("Who takes responsibility"), an object ("for what,"), one or several addressees ("to whom") and authorities ("and why?"). In the conceptual chapter of this thesis, the role of organisations as subjects of responsibility is grounded in the fact that they work toward a certain purpose. More importantly, though, society as an important addressee and authority of responsibility, increasingly calls for organisations to take responsibility for the consequences and wider impacts of their actions. The field of sustainability, with its pillars of economical, ecological and social issues, is considered a key object of responsibility. Innovation and research as an integral part of it are understood as complex processes aiming at reaching corporate goals in novel ways. By means of a literature analysis according to Webster & Watson (2002) the current state of research on RRI is explored. Most of the literature used is identified as conceptual in nature. Despite the great uncertainty that still prevails, four dimensions of RRI can be identified: Deliberation, Anticipation, Reflexivity, and Responsiveness. Taking into account the results of the literature review, the dimensions offered by the EC are classified as important activities rather than conceptual dimensions. Research and innovation in alignment with RRI involves stakeholders, particularly society, in the process right from the beginning. It also examines its potential impacts and continually reflects on its motivations and underlying values. The most important aspect is the adaptability of the process in response to the results from the other dimensions. All activities are based on responsibility and sustainability and are integrated through appropriate management and governance. In addition to conceptual work, little research has been done especially with regard to operationalisation and implementation of RRI. For the latter, the embedding in a stage-gate process according to Cooper (2010) is suggested here. However, the actual design of the conceptual dimensions still needs to be specified. In addition, overall awareness of RRI needs to be sharpened and a commitment to RRI made.