Accelerating innovation for the Dutch bioeconomy transition: the case of biobased asphalt

Abstract

This article explores and explains the factors affecting the development of biobased innovations for the Dutch bioeconomy transition. Qualitative analysis through semi-structured interviews and secondary data was made on Bioasphalt as a case study to extract these factors from the empirical situation. Due to the scarcity of literature on biobased innovation for the bioeconomy, this research offers a base for policy makers to position the biobased innovations into the circular economy plans. The findings show that the urgency factor associated with the circular economy implantation has negatively affected the development of biobased innovations. On a micro level, the analyzed factors will assist niche actors in accelerating their biobased solutions. Although the innovation ecosystem structure highly depends on the nature of the technology or product, studies using similar approaches will allow for the generalization of the results.