Abstract

This study investigates how and by whom the Swedish (forest) bioeconomy has been shaped so far. We unpack emerging bioeconomies as discursive constructs and use the ‘apparatus of capture’ as a conceptual framework to understand and rethink the Swedish bioeconomy. Based on analysis of empirical data from multiple sources (e.g., online surveys, in-depth interviews, participatory observations), we identify a closed bioeconomy network structure that includes forest industries, major forest owner associations, regional councils and research institutes/universities. The network (re)produces three key storylines that appeal to the majority of parties in the national parliament, defines the boundaries of relevant expertise, and discredits environmental regulation and expertise. Through these storylines the Swedish bioeconomy is turned into an issue of innovation governance, which blurs the boundaries between public and private interests in forests. To counteract future capture, different types of knowledges and forest perspectives need further exploration in Swedish bioeconomy and forest governance.

Keywords

Sustainability transformations; Bioeconomy; Forest industry; Discourse; Sweden; Climate change

Published in

Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions
2022, Volume: 42, pages: 44-57

SLU Authors

• Holmgren, Sara

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Söderlund Kanarp, Christoffer

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Stenius, Tove

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Fischer, Klara

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


UKÄ Subject classification

Public Administration Studies
Forest Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2021.11.005

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/114664