Systemic innovation for operationalising bioeconomy: A qualitative content analysis

The purpose of the paper is to explore the attributes of systemic innovation that align with bioeconomy. The potential of systemic innovation, an overarching concept based on cooperation and integration along and across (emerging) value chains, to drive transitions towards bioeconomy has received limited attention. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap in knowledge. Through a systematic literature review followed by qualitative content analysis, we examine the drivers and obstacles to implementing a bio-based economy and explore which elements of systemic innovation could best facilitate these transitions. Findings suggest that systemic innovation facilitates the operationalisation of the bioeconomy by uniting stakeholders from diverse sectors and encouraging the acquisition of complementary knowledge, crucial factors in fostering innovation and driving disruptive changes. This enhances bioeconomy efficiency and competitiveness against fossil-based economies. However, systemic innovation is not a singular concept; rather, it encompasses various systemic characteristics, highlighting the need for concept harmonisation. The paper synthesises existing literature on systemic innovation in the bioeconomy, providing a framework for interdisciplinary research. By incorporating diverse systemic approaches into bioeconomic innovation, it bridges disciplinary divides and identifies key considerations for analysing sustainability transitions.