Development of instruments and processes to facilitate the system innovation towards a bioeconomy (GENESYSPHD1)

The objective of this research is to develop instruments and processes that maximize the success rate of innovation projects. This action research is empirically grounded in three cases that focus on higher valorization of byproducts in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. As such, this research supports the system innovation to a bio-economy. To enable the transition to a more sustainable agricultural and fisheries system, a diversity of incremental and radical innovations are essential. These necessary innovations are accomplished via innovation research pathways. Many of these pursue a classic science-driven approach, which hampers the practical implementation of the developed applications. However, a uni-disciplinary, linear approach does not address the stumbling blocks and barriers present when introducing a product or service onto the market.

Based on three cases and relevant literature, an innovation research process is developed, usable for innovation research in the bio-economy. The networks formed within these innovation projects are also analyzed. Techniques such as in depth interviews and social network analysis (SNA) are used to analyze the composition of these networks as well as network and actor dynamics.  Within these networks, relationships, arrangements and enforcements mechanisms between actors are also studied.  Finally, instruments are developed to analyze the socio-economic aspects of innovation research. Examples are ex ante cost benefit analyses, instruments for market exploration and innovation acceptation.  

Based on three cases and relevant literature, an innovation research process is developed, usable for innovation research in the bio-economy. The networks formed within these innovation projects are also analyzed. Techniques such as in depth interviews and social network analysis (SNA) are used to analyze the composition of these networks as well as network and actor dynamics.  Within these networks, relationships, arrangements and enforcements mechanisms between actors are also studied.  Finally, instruments are developed to analyze the socio-economic aspects of innovation research. Examples are ex ante cost benefit analyses, instruments for market exploration and innovation acceptation.