Towards a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy in Italy: Findings from a SWOT analysis

Abstract

This study aims at capturing, through a multi-level perspective, potential drivers and barriers of the forest sector in Italy, in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the conditions influencing the sector's transition towards a circular bioeconomy. On the basis of this understanding, it draws potential new strategies for an effective transition. To operationalize our theoretical approach, we employed the single case study method, drawing on an in-depth literature review and a SWOT analysis (i.e. analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) of the Italian forest sector, validated by expert interviews and a questionnaire survey. The results show that the most effective strategies for the transition are: improving environmental and forest planning tools by defining viable methods of circular management; promoting investment in forest infrastructure; supporting entrepreneurship programs for forest professionals; and enhancing innovative forest-based value chains. The diversity of the identified policy strategies provides evidence of the necessity for policy makers to go beyond a simple “best option” approach, given the system complexity of the forest sector.