Understanding the Transformation to a Knowledge-Based Health Bioeconomy: Exploring Dynamics Linked to Preventive Medicine in Kenya

Andreas Pyka,Ruth Oriama

doi:10.3390/su132112162

Abstract

The bioeconomy transition is seen as a means to achieving industrial competitiveness. Targeted actions on leverage points can have specific effects on transitional changes in system dynamics; these actions have yet to be identified in the context of the knowledge-based health bioeconomy in Kenya. This paper employs system dynamics and grounded theory to identify causations linked to the feedback mechanisms in a complex adaptive system specific to preventive medicine in Kenya. The causal relations identified will allow for extended empirical interrogations. We conducted sixteen semi-structured interviews with key informants using purposive and theoretical sampling. Through these interviews, we obtained detailed information on trends for leverage points for a transition to a bioeconomy in Kenya. We developed three qualitative themes along the structure of information flows, rules, and goals of the system. In addition, we determined the overall perception of the health bioeconomy and elaborated stakeholder-specific applications. We identified a dissociation as a general perception that knowledge generation is the preservation of the public sector. Government effectiveness was found to affect public-service turnaround time, transparency, and regulatory interventions. Finally, we identified weak network failures as the key system failures whose functional deficiencies can be exploited for future policy legitimation.

Highlights

The feedback governing the transition to a knowledge-based health bioeconomy in preventive medicine in Kenya seems promising, as demonstrated by various policies and programmes for transitioning to sustainability in the new biology that have emerged over time
We expect the dynamics of the feedback loops loops identified for i) the structure of information flows in the system, ii) the rules of the identified for (i) the structure of information flows in the system, (ii) the rules of the system, system, and iii) the goals of the system in preventive medicine for a health bioeconomy and (iii) the goals of the system in preventive medicine for a health bioeconomy transition transition within Kenya’s health research and innovation ecosystem to provide inforwithin Kenya’s health research and innovation ecosystem to provide information about the mation about the leverage points for a bioeconomy transition
We introduce the initions of bioeconomy and preventive medicine in the practitioners’ perspectives

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The feedback governing the transition to a knowledge-based health bioeconomy in preventive medicine in Kenya seems promising, as demonstrated by various policies and programmes for transitioning to sustainability in the new biology that have emerged over time. Several policies and programmes have been designed in relation to a knowledge-driven bioeconomy, addressing concepts of health transitions, value, and competitiveness. They include the establishment of the Centre for Traditional Medicines and Drugs Research, set up as part of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

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Conclusion