Towards a sustainable innovation system for the German wood-based bioeconomy: Implications for policy design. (20th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Purkus, Alexandra; Hagemann, Nina; Bedtke, Norman; Gawel, Erik
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 172(2018)
• Page Start: 3955
• Page End: 3968
• Publication Date: 2018-01-20
• Subjects: Bioeconomy -- Germany -- Innovation systems -- Path transition -- Policy -- Wood; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.146
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: In recent years, the EU and several of its member states have adopted strategies in support of a renewable resource-based bioeconomy. It is promoted as a promising means of making economic processes and products more sustainable, with expected contributions to a range of policy aims. However, by increasing the demand for bio-based resources, bioeconomy concepts also impose additional pressures on ecosystems. In limiting these pressures, innovations regarding the use of biogenic and non-biogenic renewable resources play an important role. A well-developed innovation system for the bioeconomy must enable immature renewable resource-based technologies to progress down the learning curve, to eventually reach competitiveness with fossil resource substitutes; second, innovation efforts need to be steered towards bioeconomy pathways with favourable environmental characteristics; third, innovations need to be socially acceptable. Focussing on the case of the German wood-based bioeconomy, this contribution examines the role that policies can play in shaping such an innovation system. First, we review what policy contributions are considered as key for strengthening transition-oriented innovation systems in the innovation economics and innovation systems literature. We then apply these insights to the analysis of the case study's innovation system, to identify systemic weaknesses and discuss policy implications. Notably, the transition towards a bioeconomy is characterised by a high degree of uncertainty and complexity, making the design of demand-pull policies particularly challenging. We conclude with policy recommendations for strengthening a sustainability-oriented innovation system for the German wood-based bioeconomy. Highlights: The applicability of the innovation systems approach to the bioeconomy context is discussed. The role of policies in supporting transition-oriented innovation systems is reviewed. Findings are applied to a case study of the German wood-based bioeconomy. For the case study, we derive policy recommendations for fostering sustainability-oriented innovation systems. High degrees of uncertainty and complexity make demand-pull policy design particularly challenging.