Rethinking bioeconomy innovation in sustainability transitions

authored by

Sebastian Losacker, Stefanie Heiden, Ingo Liefner, Henning Lucas

Abstract

Over the past two decades, a new research field dealing with “sustainability transitions” has emerged, analyzing the transformation of socio-technical systems towards more sustainable futures. While there is consensus on the crucial role of the bioeconomy in sustainability transitions research, we argue that the true potential of many bioeconomy innovations is not yet sufficiently recognized and assessed. Much of the literature on the bioeconomy focuses on the bio-based substitution of environmentally harmful goods, neglecting the disruptive potential of innovative biotechnologies. In this commentary, we present some examples on advanced biotechnology and we invite sustainability transitions scholars to rethink their notion of bioeconomy innovations.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Innovation Research, Technology Management & Entrepreneurship
Institute of Economic and Human Geography

External Organisation(s)

Justus Liebig University Giessen
Lund University

Type

Article

Journal

Technology in Society

Volume

74

ISSN

0160-791X

Publication date

08.2023

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Human Factors and Ergonomics, Business and International Management, Education, Sociology and Political Science

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102291 (Access: Closed)