How to Advance Sustainable Innovations for Circular Bioeconomy: Perspectives from a Public Research Institute

Abstract

This paper develops an innovation mapping tool for circular bioeconomy products in the context of a Finnish public research institute. The aim of the tool is to improve invention and innovation process to enable efficient invention transfer and eventually the production of innovations. The mapping tool, i.e. questionnaire was developed for the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), combining risk management, new product development, and innovation process perspectives. The authors interviewed researchers, developed the framework based on the interview analysis and tested the tool in a workshop and with the selected bioeconomy case product (suberin). Key findings from the case study are 1) for a bioeconomy product to be successful, it is necessary to understand the entire value chain, especially the needs of end users and markets; 2) the sustainability risks (including the regulatory environment), and risks and responsibilities among the participants in the development process need to be carefully defined. In addition, the research and innovation process could ideally involve stakeholders at an early stage in order to better meet their expectations.