Knowledge-based Bioeconomy Research Articles

Carlos Asensio and the dawn of molecular microbial ecology.

At near 50years of the discovery of microcins, this article highlights the pivotal-but under-recognised-influence of Spanish biochemist Carlos Asensio (1925-1982) in contemporary microbiology, featuring the epistemological, sociological, and cultural impact of his scientific achievements. At a time when the intestinal microbiome is central to current biomedical research, it is due to emphasise his role in the establishment of new scientific fields that are now considered fundamental. Despite his premature death at the peak of his conceptual and experimental creativity, many of his ideas about microbial communication in complex communities inspired a generation of researchers and opened new topics reach to this day. Asensio was also a trailblazer in Spain, advocating for fundamental research within the socio-economic context of his time. He foresaw the shift towards what is now termed the knowledge-based bioeconomy, recognised the need for multidisciplinary research teams, and advocated integration science into societal and political agendas. These facets became evident during his research on microcins, low molecular weight bioactive compounds produced by enterobacteria. These molecules were hypothesised as mediators of microbial interactions in the human gut and were considered potential new antibiotics and even antitumoral agents. His research mobilised young talent and attracted unprecedented resources in Spain during the late 1970s-early 1980s. It underscored the medical value of microbial ecology and exemplified the benefits of collaboration between academia and industry. Asensio played a pivotal role in the emergence of molecular microbial ecology as a research discipline and its foundational and applied significance in biotechnology.

Strategic pathways for a bioeconomy with high value-added products: Lessons learnt from the Latvian forest sector

Climate change, the increasing global demand for food and feed and the loss of biodiversity, requires a shift towards a sustainable, innovative and knowledge-based bioeconomy. Simultaneously, the implementation of a strategic approach to the utilization of the sector and associated bioresources that aligns with the principles of sustainability represents a significant challenge. The aim of this study is therefore to develop a methodology for policy and decision makers to facilitate a knowledge-based bioeconomy policy planning framework. To map the development opportunities of the bioeconomy, a detailed analysis was conducted on the Latvian forest sector. This entailed an examination of the system's components within the sector, which involved the collection and analysis of statistical data, reports, and official information from forest sector stakeholders, with the objective of obtaining a comprehensive overview of Latvia's forest sector. Following the identification of the current enablers and constraints of the sector, a selection of niche products with high value-added for sector development was made. During group model building experts: (1) developed a SWOT matrix for the Latvian forest sector; (2) selected three wood-based high value-added products – textile from trees; particle board; natural thermal packaging; (3) elaborated SWOT/TOWS analysis to facilitate strategy development for the niche products. The developed methodology incorporates a synthesis of established scientific methods, including SWOT, TOWS, and AHP, with a bioeconomy system component analysis approach. The methodology therefore not only systematises the process of forest sector analysis, but also applies the findings to the development of sector development pathways aimed at shifting from low value-added to high value-added production. The innovation of the methodology lies not only in the combination of methods used, but also in the insights gained, which allow for a narrower product development perspective to be taken in order to understand the enablers and constraints of the sector and vice versa.

Building dynamic capabilities in the transition toward a knowledge-based bioeconomy: a case study of three Finnish regions

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the role of various organisations’ dynamic capabilities in regional transitions toward a knowledge-based bioeconomy. It offers a more nuanced understanding of regional path development and agency by elucidating the concept of dynamic capabilities in regional contexts and analysing the roles and types of the dynamic capabilities of various organisations. This empirical research is based on case studies conducted in three Finnish regions using a combination of interviews, documents and statistical data. The paper argues that it is important to take a systemic perspective in analysing dynamic capabilities and look at simultaneous changes in different types of organisations.

Opportunities for Bioeconomy Development: A Study of the Latvian Forest Sector and Identification of High-Value Niche Products

Climate change, rising food and feed demand, and biodiversity loss necessitate a more sustainable, innovative, and knowledge-based bioeconomy. This research analysed and compiled statistical data, reports, and other official information from Latvian forest sector stakeholders to understand its system components. After identifying main enablers and constraints, a methodology was established to find niche products with high added value through which the potential of the forest sector could be built. The system components of the Latvian forest sector and future growth scenarios for wood-based niche products showed similar outcomes for current constraints and drivers for the bioeconomy and forest sector. As a result, a number of action measures were proposed at government and policy planning level; measures to strengthen research and development, and activities to promote the production of higher value-added products and the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.

Mapping of the Bioeconomy Ecosystem in Latvia

Bioeconomy is no longer limited to being a concept in research papers and policy strategies; it presents real opportunities for regional development, i.e., by improving local employment, socio-economic development, economy and sustainable local bioresource use. But the obtaining of these opportunities is challenged by various barriers. It is proposed that analogously with other widely research fields (energy efficiency, industrial sustainability), the implementation of novel bioeconomy ideas, even when they are scientifically based, encounters the so-called ‘implementation gap’ (similarly to, e.g., the ‘energy efficiency gap’). This implementation gap is related to national, but also regional challenges, i.e., technical, economic, organizational, behavior and other barriers that hinder the most successful bioeconomy deployment. The technical obstacles can be, e.g., lack of processing or production technologies, capacity problems, while organizational barriers can manifest as logistics chain problems due to the availability of bioresources or internal organization problems of the company, lack of time, reluctance to take on new responsibilities or lack of awareness of opportunities provided by the bioeconomy. This significance of the regional analysis level for barrier assessment calls for more precise information. The first step for in-depth investigation of the bioeconomy implementation gap in Latvian context is the research of the bioeconomy ecosystem. In fact, as required by the National industrial policy guidelines, the Strategy for knowledge based bioeconomy development for Latvia was developed in 2022 by the Latvian bioeconomy ecosystem stakeholders. The current research focuses on the identification and more detailed characterization of the stakeholders of Latvian bioeconomy ecosystem, their interactions, as well as the identification of current challenges and barriers for knowledge-based bioeconomy and innovations development. In order to further elaborate the structure of the bioeconomy ecosystem, the mapping of ecosystem stakeholders was implemented.

Configuring more responsible knowledge-based bio-economies: the case of alternative agro-food networks

ABSTRACT The ‘knowledge-based bio-economy’ (KBBE) constitutes a prominent research and innovation policy narrative underlining the centrality of knowledge and innovation as important products and resources driving contemporary economies and societies. However, a narrow understanding of the KBBE prevails, resulting in the exclusion of a wider diversity of stakeholders and knowledges that could lead to the production of more responsible research and innovation (RRI). This paper aims to contribute to configuring more responsible knowledge-based bio-economies, by exploring the potential of other economic developments, such as this of alternative agro-food networks (AAFNs) to constitute knowledge-based bio-economies. Drawing on research conducted in the Northwest England, this paper unpacks the diversity of knowledges and knowledge production processes within AAFNs, arguing for their potential to constitute an alternative, more responsible KBBE. In doing so, it encourages consideration of the centrality of knowledge inclusion and reflexivity in configuring more responsible research and innovation processes for agriculture and food.

Christian Patermanns impact on the development strategy towards a knowledge-based bioeconomy in Austria

This paper describes the development of the Austrian bioeconomy strategy from its first beginnings in 2012 and the prominent role played by Christian Patermann in this context. He was involved in various phases of the discussion and development of the Austrian bioeconomy strategy, both at national and institutional level until the release of the bioeconomy strategy for Austria in the year 2019. Moreover, he continuously supported the development of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) together with its European university network partners to implement bioeconomy in its strategic activities.

A comprehensive review on techniques used in conversion of biomass into bioeconomy

In the modern world, the major problems humanity faces, such as exploitation of depleting natural resources, rising population, combined with other environmental and economic challenges, shift our attention towards the booming sector such as bioeconomy. The bioeconomy is a bio-based economy or the knowledge-based bio-economy (KBBE) where the basic building blocks for materials, chemicals, and energy are developed from renewable biological resources, such as plant and animal sources. The bioeconomy contributes to increased energy sources and material production which has a less hazardous impact on the environment. Numerous wastes are dumped on to earth’s surface that can be converted into various bio-economic products. Microbes are primarily utilized to convert wastes into bioeconomy products, which needs several influencing conditions for the conversion process. The present review will unravel the potential impact of the bioeconomy and its history; this study also deals with the current status and future perspective of the bioeconomy.

KBBE: The knowledge-based bioeconomy: Concept, status and future prospects

The article outlines the pioneering role of Christian Patermann in developing the Knowledge-Based Bioeconomy (KBBE), which was largely based on agriculture, forestry, fishery, and aquaculture to produce food and feed, bio-based fuels and chemicals. Later it was condensed into the concept of the Bioeconomy. Today, the focus is on closing material cycles, which has evolved the KBBE concept into that of the Circular Bioeconomy. In line with the European Green Deal it aims on the development of competitive, sustainable, and circular bio-based solutions while addressing climate neutrality, environmental performance, safety, and social acceptance and thus, respecting our planetary boundaries.The article will outline how this pioneering thinking triggered new collaborations among stakeholders working in different sectors across value chains, including private-public consortia, such as the international Cluster Industrial Biotechnology (CLIB cluster), which will be used as example of the translation of bioeconomy concepts products and processes.

The four Fs of the knowledge-based BioEconomy – A homage to Christian Patermann

Every discourse about the knowledge-based BioEconomy (KBBE) leads to identification of specific products that can be manufactured through advanced biology-based processes in a fashion more environmentally-friendly, more sustainable and more economically appealing than earlier procedures. Such products can be grouped in at least four types of tangible goods, the reference names of each of which—as entertained by Christian Patermann—starting by an F: food, feed, fuel, fibre. Since the first elaborations of the KBBE to the present time, major conceptual developments and scientific technologies have impacted the biotechnological practices and endowed the four Fs with possibilities that were not anticipated at the time. New scenarios have also emerged—paramount among which is climate crisis. In this context, what started as a strategy to backup the existing industrial system might end up being a phenomenal tool for a much needed revision of our mutuality with the natural world.

Born to transform? German bioeconomy policy and research projects for transformations towards sustainability

Aiming at fostering the transition towards a sustainable climate-neutral economy, the German Federal Government (GFG) intends to promote the transition towards a sustainable knowledge-based bioeconomy (SKBBE). Bioeconomy policies are adjusted regularly, increasingly focusing on addressing the grand challenges of our time. To analyze whether the German bioeconomy policy, in terms of strategies and publicly funded research projects, actually fosters knowledge creation for the desired transformation, these strategies and projects have to be evaluated. Using a mixed-methods approach, this paper aims at investigating in what way German bioeconomy policy is dedicated to transformations towards sustainability and whether this reflects in the publicly funded research projects. Our study shows that the strategies as well as the publicly funded projects, still have a strong techno-economic orientation, focusing on technologies as problem-solvers, lacking, e.g., normative or transformative knowledge. What is more, the artificially generated R&D network does not show the necessary structure or involvement of stakeholders, lacking, e.g., the involvement of civil society or transdisciplinary research. We argue that future innovation policy has to foster all types of knowledge relevant for transformations towards sustainability, incorporating all stakeholders. Otherwise, the bioeconomy transition might become a purely technological endeavor unable to foster strong sustainability.

The bioeconomy paradigm as a factor stimulating companies innovation in SMEs sector

Purpose of the study: This study intended to do an assessment of the bioeconomy paradigm importance for companies’ innovation in the SMEs sector.
 Methodology: The research material was collected on the basis of desk research method using professional literature, including book publications, scientific articles, presentations, reports, as well as various legal acts and press sources in paper and electronic form. Case studies of selected companies were prepared on the basis of the European Commission report.
 Main Findings: The concept of knowledge-based bioeconomy has become an important factor determining the innovation of enterprises. In the face of global eco-threats, companies that implement strategies in areas convergent with the new development paradigm are increasingly using innovative biotechnologies in their manufacturing processes or replacing non-renewable production resources with biodegradable bio-materials. In the process of changes, an important role is played by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), whose activities are to fill the gap between scientific research and the implementation of innovation, especially in such areas as food, agriculture and fisheries, and biotechnology. Therefore, despite numerous implementation barriers, this sector has gained a new source of competitive advantages thanks to the bioeconomy.
 Applications of this study: The presented material may become a source of knowledge for entrepreneurs interested in developing activities in the area of bioeconomy and for institutions focused on creating innovation support programs for the SMEs sector.
 The originality of this study: In the literature the bioeconomy is considered mainly as the sustainable production of renewable resources and the possibility of their transformation into food, feed, bio-based products or bioenergy. The new development paradigm should therefore be considered as a valuable source of competitive advantages for enterprises. This study documented its importance as a factor stimulating the innovation activity of small and medium-sized enterprises. This phenomenon is particularly important from the point of view of the Polish SMEs sector, whose innovations are most often of an imitative nature.

Biotechnologies to Bridge the Schism in the Bioeconomy

Schism is the new normal for the bioeconomy concept. Since its proliferation in governments, the concept has been adapted to fit national or regional exigencies. Earlier this century the knowledge-based bioeconomy (KBBE) in Europe was seen as a technical and knowledge fix in the evolving sustainability landscape. At the OECD, the concept was further honed by imagining a future where biotechnologies contribute significantly to economic growth and development. Countries started to make national bioeconomy strategies. Some countries have diverged and made the bioeconomy both much larger and more general, involving a wide variety of sectors, such as industry, energy, healthcare, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and fishing. Whatever the approach, what seems to be consistent is the need to reconcile environmental, social and economic sustainability. This paper attempts to establish one schism that could have ramifications for the future development of the bioeconomy. Some countries, including some of the largest economies but not exclusively so, are clearly following a biotechnology model, whereas others are clearly not. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, biotechnologies offer outstanding potential in healthcare, although this sector is by no means included in all bioeconomy strategies. The paper also attempts to clarify how biotechnologies can address the grand challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The communities of scientists seem to have no difficulty with this, but citizens and governments find it more difficult. In fact, some biotechnologies are already well established, whereas others are emerging and more controversial.

Entrepreneurship and the Sustainable Bioeconomy Transformation

Governments worldwide have formulated visions of a transition toward a bio-based economy (bioeconomy). These visions to move beyond the exploitation of fossil resources complement the United Nation’s sustainability goals such as climate change mitigation. Different factors will shape and foster the successful transition to a knowledge-based bioeconomy; among those factors, entrepreneurial activity is especially promising. Therefore, this study examines the enabling and transformational role of entrepreneurship by conducting a structured literature review and thematic analysis to elicit the implicit views on entrepreneurs and their ventures found in the bioeconomy literature. The review identifies three major entrepreneurial themes addressed in the literature that are included in a holistic framework comprising entrepreneurial activity on the micro level, entrepreneurial ecosystems (or clusters and innovation systems) on the meso level, and governmental vision and support on the macro level. Suggestions for further research on the interface of entrepreneurship and the bioeconomy are also provided.

Entrepreneurship and the sustainable bioeconomy transformation

Governments worldwide have formulated visions of a transition toward a bio-based economy (bioeconomy). These visions to move beyond the exploitation of fossil resources complement the United Nation’s sustainability goals such as climate change mitigation. Different factors will shape and foster the successful transition to a knowledge-based bioeconomy; among those factors, entrepreneurial activity is especially promising. Therefore, this study examines the enabling and transformational role of entrepreneurship by conducting a structured literature review and thematic analysis to elicit the implicit views on entrepreneurs and their ventures found in the bioeconomy literature. The review identifies three major entrepreneurial themes addressed in the literature that are included in a holistic framework comprising entrepreneurial activity on the micro level, entrepreneurial ecosystems (or clusters and innovation systems) on the meso level, and governmental vision and support on the macro level. Suggestions for further research on the interface of entrepreneurship and the bioeconomy are also provided.

Education for Advancing the Implementation of the Bioeconomy Goals: An Analysis of Master Study Programmes in Bioeconomy

Abstract Bioeconomy in Europe has become one of the leading courses for sustainable and resource-efficient development. Main aspects of bioeconomy: development of new technologies and processes, development of markets and competitiveness for bioeconomy can be implemented through higher education and transformative knowledge for building a sustainable bioeconomy. Over the past year, new bioeconomy-related Master study programmes have been created and have integrated bioeconomy goals into their research, programme aims and learning outcomes. During the research the set of competences based on sustainable development competences and bioeconomy competences have been created. The integration of competences for bioeconomy development in higher education can be seen as an important step in transformation towards knowledge-based bioeconomy. On this basis, 10 Master study programmes across Europe were analysed in order to find out the actual integration of competences in different study programmes for bioeconomy. Results of the analysis show that transdisciplinary competence, learning competence, interdisciplinary competence and system-thinking competence are strongly integrated into the study programmes. The analysis also shows that the integration of other competences, like anticipatory competence, normative competence, strategic competence and interpersonal competence can be improved in the future.

Factors behind development of innovations in European forest-based bioeconomy

Organizational-level innovations are one of the key pathways for reaching the Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy; and analysis of factors behind their development is missing within forest-based bioeconomy. In this study we develop an analytical definition of forest-based bioeconomy, grounded on input from European forestry and bioeconomy capacity mapping exercises from five projects and with participation of five experts from different backgrounds. Variables related to innovation development are based on open innovation concept and literature review of studies focused on bioeconomy context. Data is gathered on innovations developed by private companies within forest-based bioeconomy projects of Seventh Framework Programme, EU Research and Innovation Programme Horizon 2020 and projects funded through the Network co-fund of the European Research Area.Most frequent types of innovations are within the development of production methods, followed by innovations in goods and services. There are few innovation cases in later stages of development, and more disruptive and complex innovations are usually more successful ones. Successful innovations also depend on support from organizational leadership and on external financial support. Project-based funding in innovation development is offset by the revenue generated from these innovations. Vast majority of companies considers the EU framework projects as a useful tool for supporting the development of innovations.

Knowledge-Based Bioeconomy: The Use of Intellectual Capital in Food Industry of Serbia

The main objective of this exploratory study was to identify and analyse the indicators of intellectual capital in food industry of Serbia. The study investigated managers’ perceptions of their usefulness, practical application, and factors that influence them. The respondents were surveyed by means of a questionnaire. They were mainly top managers from 18 food organizations, committed to the bioeconomy paradigm. The survey items were divided into three subcategories, namely human, structural, and relational capital. The data were analysed by the SPSS 21 statistical software. The results show that all indicators were perceived as very important, relational capital indicators being the most useful of all. Of all individual items, employee motivation, market share, and employee satisfaction were perceived as the most important. This study provides a perspective on managing intellectual capital in bioeconomy.

Exploring the Dedicated Knowledge Base of a Transformation towards a Sustainable Bioeconomy

The transformation towards a knowledge-based bioeconomy has the potential to serve as a contribution to a more sustainable future. Yet, until now, bioeconomy policies have been only insufficiently linked to concepts of sustainability transformations. This article aims to create such link by combining insights from innovation systems (IS) research and transformative sustainability science. For a knowledge-based bioeconomy to successfully contribute to sustainability transformations, the IS’ focus must be broadened beyond techno-economic knowledge. We propose to also include systems knowledge, normative knowledge, and transformative knowledge in research and policy frameworks for a sustainable knowledge-based bioeconomy (SKBBE). An exploration of the characteristics of this extended, “dedicated” knowledge will eventually aid policymakers in formulating more informed transformation strategies.

Dedicated innovation systems to support the transformation towards sustainability: creating income opportunities and employment in the knowledge-based digital bioeconomy

In order to counter something to the most thrilling challenges of mankind at the beginning of the twenty-first century, production and consumption systems need to transform towards sustainability. We argue that the knowledge-based bioeconomy and digitalization are two promising technological approaches which require to be thought together in order to contribute to the transformation and to trigger the required technological dynamics. However, such a broad transformative process requires a participation of all societal stakeholders. Innovation systems in principle offer a framework for policy designs supporting the transformation, but they need to be extended to include the direction towards overcoming the lock-in in oil-based economic activities and mass consumption. For this purpose, we introduce the idea of a Dedicated Innovation System, which takes care of potential inertia due to the interest of established (oil-based) industries and consider the economic opportunities raised by social and responsible innovation. The transformation process will likely compensate for decreasing jobs in traditional sectors, which are increasingly replaced by robotics and artificial intelligence. The knowledge-based digital bioeconomy is likely to generate the emergence of new sectors with new employment opportunities, e.g. in periphery regions or in the emerging sharing-economy sector.