In this paper, two alignments of action research are used to scrutinize a R&D initiative intended to spread the preferential right of interpretation more equally among women and men in innovation policy. Specifically, it is investigated how Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Participatory and Appreciative Action Research (PAAR) cast a light over the challenges and potentials of this endeavour. The R&D initiative was a project pursued 2002-2005 involving four Swedish regional networks in order to “lift” their experiences of promoting women’s entrepreneurship and innovation to a joint platform of knowledge. Participating at dialogue seminars arranged within each network, the network members shared experiences with each other as well as with the four researchers being involved. The tools provided by the two alignments of action research expose how the knowledge development within the R&D project combined criticism with change, thus linking two crucial - but sometimes competing - aspects of gender equality aspirations.