Transition to sustainable forest based bioeconomy

The project ”Transition to sustainable forest based bioeconomy” is part of the area of forest-based bioeconomy under the initiative Academy of Smart Specialisation at  Karlstad University. The whole project has a budget of SEK 2,8 million, funded equally by Region Värmland and Karlstad University. The aim is to develop new knowledge of processes of sustainability transitions, in this case transition to sustainable forest based bioeconomy and to strengthen research and innovation in the field of bioeconomy at Karlstad University. It is important to make use of forests in an ecologically sustainable way to avoid damage to our ecosystems and to preserve an attractive living environment in the region. Transition to sustainable forest based bioeconomy is a necessary step in this process.

A transition to sustainable forest based bioeconomy does not only involve a change of production systems but also a change of consumer behaviours, norms and values. The challenge of achieving sustainability is the need to transform the whole society, which requires structural changes beyond production chains. We need more knowledge of sustainability transition processes, for example, about the role of civil society in developing social innovations, ecosystem services or active participation in  regional innovation systems. The study will include a comparative study of other regions in Europe and their bio and circular economy efforts. The project may also contribute to creating a broad cooperation in the regional innovation system in Värmland, engaging various social actors.

Participating researchers: Ida Grundel, associate senior lecturer in human geography ida.grundel@kau.se and Margareta Dahlström, professor of human geography, margareta.dahlstrom@kau.se
Funding: Karlstad University and Region Värmland through The Academy for Smart Specialisation
Project period: September 2016 – August 2018.