The Bio-Based Economy: Dynamics Governing Transition Pathways in the Swedish Forestry Sector

Therese Bennich, Salim Belyazid, Birgit Kopainsky and Arnaud Diemer
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Therese Bennich: Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
Salim Belyazid: Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
Birgit Kopainsky: System Dynamics Group, Department of Geography, University of Bergen, Postboks 7802, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
Arnaud Diemer: Center for Studies and Research on Internal Development (CERDI), University of Clermont-Auvergne, FR-320, 63009 Clermont-Ferrand, France

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: A transition to a bio-based economy would entail change in coupled social–ecological systems. These systems are characterised by complexity, giving rise to potential unintended consequences and trade-offs caused by actions aiming to facilitate a transition process. Yet, many of the analyses to date have been focusing on single and predominantly technological aspects of the bio-based economy. The main contribution of our work is to the development of an integrated understanding of potential future transition pathways, with the present paper focusing specifically on terrestrial biological resources derived from the forestry sector in Sweden. Desired change processes identified include a transition to diversified forest management, a structural change in the forestry industry to enable high-value added production, and increased political support for the bio-based economy concept. Hindrances identified include the ability to demonstrate added values for end consumers of novel biomass applications, and uncertainty linked to a perceived high level of polarisation in the forestry debate. The results outline how these different processes are interrelated, allowing for the identification of high order leverage points and interventions to facilitate a transition to a bio-based economy.

Keywords: bio-based economy; bio-economy; systems analysis; causal loop diagrams; forestry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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