Markets as leverage points for transformations of economic systems: The example of the German bioeconomy

Abstract

This paper discusses a method for the identification of leverage points for the transformation of complex economic systems by combining value chain analysis and a relational perspective on markets. We introduce the Network of Markets Approach and show that it is central in bridging the two concepts and apply social network analysis in order to do so. The case of the German bioeconomy, the transition from a fossil to a bio-based economy, is chosen to exemplify the application of the method. Here, we provide the specific rationales behind our approach and identify possible key markets for governance interventions in the transformation toward a bio-based economy in Germany.