Towards a Global Framework for Analysing the Forest-Based Bioeconomy

Abstract

The bioeconomy approach offers potential solutions to global challenges, including sustainable forest management. The body of literature on the forest-based bioeconomy is rapidly expanding, and the diversity of approaches is bewildering. In this paper, we (1) discuss and clarify terminology related to the forest-based bioeconomy as a basis for (2) developing a general framework for analysing the forest-based bioeconomy, which is then (3) applied to two bioeconomy cases. The point of departure is a structured literature review; through qualitative content analysis, we identified the key questions characterizing current approaches to the forest-based bioeconomy; subsequently, the two cases were investigated through analysis of nominal and functional national bioeconomy policy documents and case-specific literature. Answering the key questions allowed the identification of five distinct schools of thought that make up the global framework: the biotechnology, techno-bioresource, socio-bioresource, eco-efficiency, and eco-society schools. These provide a systematic tool to analyse key paradigms, public policy goals, product or service sold, stakeholders, strength of environmental sustainability, and likely transition pathways. We illustrate the application of the framework through analysis of two cases (medicinal plants in Nepal and timber in Finland). We end by discussing how to operationalize the framework further.

Unlocking Romania’s Forest-Based Bioeconomy Potential: Knowledge-Action-Gaps and the Way Forward

“…Over the years, different bioeconomy conceptual approaches have appeared in the scientific literature. Bugge et al's [27] well-known classification of bio-technology, bioecology, and bio-resource research visions was recently complemented by Piplani and Smith-Hall's [5] framework for analyzing the forest-based bioeconomy, which distinguishes between five schools of thought: the biotechnology, techno-bioresource, socio-bioresource, eco-efficiency, and eco-society. Jankovský et al [28] review the scientific literature on the topic of innovations in the forest bioeconomy, finding that most studies dealt with the necessary adaptation of policies, while innovations were mainly focused on biorefining, biotechnology, and production of various biomaterials, as well as innovations of business models and stakeholder interactions.…”

“…Countries such as Finland and Sweden, where the forest industry plays a central role, concentrate on developing higher added-value and expanding product portfolios from their strong forest industries [3,4]. The forest sector is thus weighted differently in national bioeconomy strategies [5]. Romania does not have a national bioeconomy strategy.…”

“…This involves cultivating, gathering, and processing both wood and non-wood products (such as medicinal herbs and bushmeat), as well as other products such as industrial roundwood, fuelwood, pulp and paper, and furniture. In fact, all goods produced by primary, secondary, or tertiary processing of both wood and non-wood products, such as roundwood, pulp, bioenergy, and new bio-based products may be included in the concept [5]. Hence, taking these two aspects into consideration, i.e., that a sustainable bioeconomy strategy must build on both natural land-based resources and knowledge prerequisites, this article puts forth the argument to develop and strengthen a national bioeconomy approach based around the Romanian forest-based sector.…”

Socio-economic factors affecting the use of non-timber forest products in swine production in the Colombian Amazon

“…Regions of high biodiversity effective in promoting the sustainability of the territory and the orientation of public policies in rural management from small rural producers and bioeconomy models around the forest. (Ao, et al, 2021;Piplani and Smith, 2021).…”

Bioeconomia do cacau no estado do Amazonas

“…A bioeconomia propõe uma possível conciliação entre as dimensões econômica, ambiental, social e os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (CE, 2012;Loiseau et al, 2016;Piplani & Smith-hall, 2021). Nesse emergente campo há contestações e coexistem diferentes regimes sociotécnicos que tanto podem contribuir para a sustentabilidade quanto para o agravamento das pressões sobre o meio ambiente (Befort, 2020;Bugge, Hansen & Klitkou, 2016;.…”