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Pathways to Shape the Bioeconomy

Priefer, Carmen 1; Jörissen, Juliane 1; Frör, Oliver
1 Institut für Technikfolgenabschätzung und Systemanalyse (ITAS), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

Abstract:

In view of the increasing depletion of fossil fuel resources, the concept “bioeconomy” aims at the gradual replacement of fossil fuels by renewable feedstock. Seen as a comprehensive societal transition, the bioeconomy is a complex field that includes a variety of sectors, actors, and interests and is related to far-reaching changes in today’s production systems. While the objectives pursued—such as reducing dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, ensuring global food security, and increasing the industrial use of biogenic resources—are not generally contentious, there is fierce controversy over the possible pathways for achieving these objectives. Based on a thorough literature review, the article identifies major lines of conflict in the current discourse. Criticism of the prevalent concept refers mainly to the strong focus on technology, the lack of consideration given to alternative implementation pathways, the insufficient differentiation of underlying sustainability requirements, and the inadequate participation of societal stakeholders. Since today it cannot be predicted which pathway will be the most expedient—the one already being taken or one of the others proposed—this paper suggests pursuing a strategy of diversity concerning the approaches to shape the bioeconomy, the funding of research topics, and the involvement of stakeholders. ... mehr


Verlagsausgabe §
DOI: 10.5445/IR/1000068230
Originalveröffentlichung
DOI: 10.3390/resources6010010
Scopus
Zitationen: 122
Dimensions
Zitationen: 136
Cover der Publikation
Zugehörige Institution(en) am KIT Institut für Technikfolgenabschätzung und Systemanalyse (ITAS)
Publikationstyp Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Publikationsjahr 2017
Sprache Englisch
Identifikator ISSN: 2079-9276
urn:nbn:de:swb:90-682302
KITopen-ID: 1000068230
HGF-Programm 36.02.01 (POF III, LK 01) Sustainability and Environment
Erschienen in Resources
Verlag MDPI
Band 6
Heft 1
Seiten 10
Schlagwörter bioeconomy, implementation pathways, lines of conflict, sustainability criteria
Nachgewiesen in Dimensions
Scopus
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