| 1. |
- Busch, Henner, et al.
(författare)
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Local power: Exploring the motivations of mayors and key success factors for local municipalities to go 100% renewable energy
- 2014
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Ingår i: Energy, Sustainability and Society. - 2192-0567. ; 4:5, s. 1-15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper investigates the decision-making processes of mayors on the municipal level in Brandenburg, Germany, to support 100% renewable energy policies as well as the respective key success factors. Three different cases and their specific settings are examined: (1) Turnow-Preilack with Germany's largest solar power plant, (2) Prenzlau, a town claiming the title 'City of Renewable Energy’ and (3) the village of Feldheim, the first energy independent settlement in Germany. On the basis of exploratory site visits and interviews, the process of implementation of renewable energy is investigated. The methodology developed here is based on the 'theory of planned behaviour’ which helps to visualise the individual decision-making processes of key actors. Not surprisingly, many different factors influence the investigated cases. The decision-making processes must be investigated in their context that is shaped by the attitudes of mayors, the expectation of how their actions will be perceived, and the control mayors estimate to have over projects. The identified factors point at the key finding that the mayors first and foremost think about the 'good of their municipality’. This does not necessarily refer to economic factors but can encompass aspects such as 'strengthening community life’. More abstract factors such as climate change or contributing to the transition of the national power supply play - if at all - a minor role. Policies that aim at supporting energy transitions in similar settings should therefore shift their focus from communicating climate change mitigation to the co-benefits that ambitious renewable energy policies can bring to a community.
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| 2. |
- Fast, Stewart, et al.
(författare)
-
Biofuels: From a win-win solution to a wicked problem?
- 2012
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Ingår i: Biofuels. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1759-7277 .- 1759-7269. ; 3:6, s. 737-748
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Current and recent struggles encountered in the development of the transport biofuels sector indicate a significant change in the perception of biofuels. Instead of a win-win solution, transport biofuels have become a major planning challenge. In fact, biofuels can be labelled a wicked problem. The planning studies literature offers some tools to interpret this change and guide future actions. First, by assessing recent experiences of biofuels in the EU and US against the ten characteristics of wicked problems we find biofuels “fit” the profile of such issues. Second, we observe that differentiated strategies will suit the different challenges facing biofuels development. We argue that without recognition and engagement of multiple perspectives on transport biofuels they will remain a wicked problem and we therefore advocate for strengthened approaches to communication and engagement.
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| 3. |
- Hellstrom-Reimer, Maria, et al.
(författare)
-
Advancing Sustainable Urban Transformation through Living Labs
- 2012
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Öresund Region, which encompasses a population of 3.5 million across Southern Sweden and Eastern Denmark, aims to be a regional ”powerhouse” in Europe for sustainability, innovation and clean-tech. It can therefore provide a ”laboratory” by which to experiment, implement, examine and evaluate the progress of (local) transition governance and infrastructural investments. The Urban Transition Öresund project (2011-2014) is a cross-border cooperation between Swedish and Danish partners (including academic institutions, local governments, regional authorities, and clean-tech businesses) in the Öresund Region to evaluate and improve collaborative efforts to promote sustainable urban transformation. The working approach is the co-exploration of case studies – encompassing existing and planned buildings and districts in the Öresund Region – from which essential lessons are being extracted and subsequently tested on further projects in order to obtain general lessons. Importantly, the case studies from the Öresund Region are being supplemented by research on international experiences with a particular focus on new forms of collaboration, specifically the format of Living Labs, which can be simply described as a concept to integrate research and innovation processes within a public-private-people partnership. This paper presents a discussion of how the concept of Living Labs can support (local) transition governance towards sustainable urban transformation in the Öresund Region and beyond.
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| 4. |
- Hellström Reimer, Maria, et al.
(författare)
-
Advancing Sustainable Urban Transformation through Living Labs : Looking to the Öresund Region
- 2012
-
Ingår i: IST2012 Navigating Theories and Challenging Realities. ; , s. 19-37
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Öresund Region, which encompasses a population of 3.5 million across Southern Sweden and Eastern Denmark, aims to be a regional ”powerhouse” in Europe for sustainability, innovation and clean-tech. It can therefore provide a ”laboratory” by which to experiment, implement, examine and evaluate the progress of (local) transition governance and infrastructural investments. The Urban Transition Öresund project (2011-2014) is a cross-border cooperation between Swedish and Danish partners (including academic institutions, local governments, regional authorities, and clean-tech businesses) in the Öresund Region to evaluate and improve collaborative efforts to promote sustainable urban transformation. The working approach is the co-exploration of case studies – encompassing existing and planned buildings and districts in the Öresund Region – from which essential lessons are being extracted and subsequently tested on further projects in order to obtain general lessons. Importantly, the case studies from the Öresund Region are being supplemented by research on international experiences with a particular focus on new forms of collaboration, specifically the format of Living Labs, which can be simply described as a concept to integrate research and innovation processes within a public-private-people partnership. This paper presents a discussion of how the concept of Living Labs can support (local) transition governance towards sustainable urban transformation in the Öresund Region and beyond.
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| 5. |
- Hellström Reimer, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Mapping Collaborative Methods and Tools for Promoting Urban Transitions in the Øresund Region
- 2012
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This report is produced within the Urban Transition Øresund (UT) project (2011–2014), and it is part of the subtask Collaborative Methods and Tools for Urban Transitions (UT CoMeT). The goal of the UT project is to promote sustainable growth and advance sustainable urban transformation in the Øresund region by gathering municipalities, universities and businesses in cross-border cooperation. The subtask UT CoMeT has a special focus on tools and methods for working that allow and promote greater collaboration between various actors in a transition process towards sustainability.The initial phase of the UT CoMeT activity consists of mapping existing experiences of forms of collaboration and cross-boundary working formats in urban transition processes. This includes examples of methods and tools utilised within the Øresund region, but also beyond, on international areas, focusing on Europe. The mapping process takes its point of departure in results from earlier reports, and it was completed in two steps: (I) mapping of methods and tools currently used by the UT project partners in the Øresund region; and (II) mapping of international cases and examples in Europe.
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| 6. |
- Kiss, Bernadett, et al.
(författare)
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Policy Instruments for Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Experiences and Lessons from the Nordic Countries
- 2010
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Nordic countries have often been seen as “fore-runners” of energy efficiency in buildings – in both the implementation of policy instruments and the evaluation of effects. Since the 1970s, the Nordic countries have introduced a range of policy instruments for energy conservation in buildings. The choice of instruments and experiences, however differs between countries. The aim of this study is to review policy instruments for energy efficiency in buildings in the Nordic countries as well as to analyse how to advance related learning processes. The study discusses traditional and innovative policy instruments, organisational matters, and policy evaluations. An overall observation from this study is that Sweden is “slowing down” its energy efficiency activities in the building sector, while Denmark, Finland and Norway are all “speeding up”. Denmark is leading the way on implementing policy instruments, which are long-term, strategic, innovative and well-supported by the organisational structure. This study also concludes that energy efficiency often lacks influential organisations to “drive” efforts forwards – in terms of information, networking, research and innovation. Finally, there is often no strategic approach to evaluations in the Nordic countries with a focus on how to improve learning.
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| 7. |
- McCormick, Kes, et al.
(författare)
-
Advancing Sustainable Urban Transformation
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier BV. - 0959-6526 .- 1879-1786. ; 50, s. 1-11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Despite increased awareness of the urgency to respond to climate change and to promote sustainable development, there are few powerful initiatives that are decisively shifting urban development in a sustainable, resilient and low-carbon direction. This Special Volume of the Journal of Cleaner Production explores sustainable urban transformation focusing on structural transformation processes – multi-dimensional and radical change – that can effectively direct urban development towards ambitious sustainability goals. The 20 articles are based on 35 cases and over 130 surveyed examples of urban initiatives on sustainability in many countries. While cities in Europe dominate, there are also examples from North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. The combined articles in this Special Volume contribute to knowledge and understanding on sustainable urban transformation across a range of areas, including governance and planning, innovation and competitiveness, lifestyle and consumption, resource management and climate mitigation and adaptation, transport and accessibility, buildings, and the spatial environment and public space. Overall, this Special Volume documents and analyses real-life action in cities and communities around the world to respond to sustainability challenges and it provides critical insights into how to catalyse, intensify and accelerate sustainable urban transformation globally. A main finding of the articles is that governance and planning are the key leverage points for transformative change.
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| 8. |
- McCormick, Kes
(författare)
-
Bioenergy at Climate Negotiations: Visions, Challenges and Opportunities
- 2010
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper provides observations and commentary on how bioenergy was presented and communicated at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) held in Denmark in December 2009, including the main conference and side events as well as “unofficial” parallel events and activities. We can learn significantly from the experiences of COP 15 in regards to how to develop and present visions for bioenergy, the major challenges confronting the expansion of bioenergy, and the near-term opportunities for the bioenergy industry. With the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to be held in Mexico in November 2010, this paper contributes to a better understanding of how the bioenergy industry can influence policy-makers, attract media attention, and engage the general public and key stakeholders in a constructive dialogue to take full advantage of the potential of bioenergy to contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation. At COP 16 we need “to make it all happen”.
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| 9. |
- McCormick, Kes, et al.
(författare)
-
Bioenergy Systems and Supply Chains in Europe: Conditions, Coordination and Capacity
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Innovative Schemes for Supply Chain Coordination under Uncertainty.
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There are considerable biomass resources in the European Union and mature conversion technologies to exploit the potentials of bioenergy. A challenge confronting the European Union and Member States is how to accelerate the implementation of bioenergy systems and related supply chains. This chapter contributes to the identification, analysis, and discussion of constraints for bioenergy in the European Union. Adopting a combination of research methods and different informants from 6 case studies across Europe, this chapter identifies economic conditions, institutional capacity, and supply coordination as the key constraints obstructing the expansion of bioenergy. Furthermore, the case studies expose 4 points about constraints for bioenergy. First, there are no absolute constraints to realising the potentials of bioenergy in the European Union. Second, it is non-technical challenges that are hindering bioenergy rather than technical issues. Third, constraints for bioenergy are dynamic and depend on the context. Fourth, there are consistent strategies observed in the case studies to overcome constraints.
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| 10. |
- McCormick, Kes
(författare)
-
Biofuels for Transport in Australia
- 2013
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In Australia, policy at the National and State levels induces and blocks the development of biofuels. There is no strong, integrated and consistent policy framework. The market for biofuels lacks momentum and confidence of investors is weak. Current capacity is not utilised. Expansion is not expected before 2015.
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| 11. |
- McCormick, Kes
(författare)
-
Biofuels for Transport in Europe: Lessons about Governance, Innovation and Sustainability
- 2010
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the context of growing concerns over climate change and peak oil, biofuels for transport are attracting considerable support from the European Union (EU). However, the sustainability of biofuels is under increasing debate. Furthermore, the complexity of the biofuels industry (involving different resources and feedstock suppliers, different logistics providers and options, a range of technologies and systems, and multiple end-products and end-uses) and the diversity of actors (such as biofuels producers and suppliers, trade associations, oil companies, automobile manufacturers, local municipalities, national governments, public agencies, research organisations, and NGOs) create significant challenges for policy-making and governance. The purpose of this paper is to explore the interlinkages between governance, innovation and sustainability for the biofuels industry in Europe, focusing on Sweden and the UK. Based on discussions and interviews with European researchers and practitioners, this paper analyses five key (interlinking) factors that are shaping the markets for biofuels in Europe. The key factors are visionary plans, policy frameworks, stakeholder networks, local actions and sustainability issues. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to expand biofuels and bioenergy, especially when considering sustainability. However, there are lessons to learn about governance and policy-making related to biofuels, particularly in the early stages of a biofuels industry. Sweden and the UK are selected as the main cases in this paper as they provide contrasting pictures of the biofuels industry in Europe – Sweden is a “leader” on biofuels while the UK is in the “infant” stage of development. Furthermore, the key factors defined in this paper are developing quite differently in Sweden and the UK.
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| 12. |
- McCormick, Kes
(författare)
-
Biofuels for Transport in the Asia-Pacific Region
- 2013
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The purpose is to provide a brief overview of activities related to biofuels for transport in the Asia-Pacific Region, which covers a diverse range of countries and economies. The focus is on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC),which is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade, and investment in the Asia-Pacific Region. APEC provides a forum for cooperation on biofuels in the Asia-Pacific Region and will continue to act as a strategic meeting point. The Asia-Pacific Region will play an increasingly important role in the global production, use and trade of biofuels. Collaboration in the Asia-Pacific Region is critical to the development of local and regional markets and sharing lessons.
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| 13. |
- McCormick, Kes
(författare)
-
Communicating bioenergy: A growing challenge
- 2010
-
Ingår i: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 4:5, s. 494-502
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bioenergy is rapidly growing in many parts of the world. But continued investments in bioenergy do not depend entirely on technological advances, feedstock availability, and economic conditions. The social acceptance of bioenergy by the general public appears to be essential to the political legitimacy of the bioenergy industry, and the willingness of policy-makers to introduce or maintain supportive policy schemes for bioenergy. In the context of Europe, this perspective argues that communication strategies will become increasingly important for the bioenergy industry as it continues to expand. In short, this perspective discusses four main questions, including: What is the current social acceptance of bioenergy among citizens in Europe? What are the key lessons from experiences with communication on bioenergy? What are the emerging 'hot' topics for the bioenergy industry? What international efforts are underway to inform the general public about bioenergy? Overall, this perspective aims to provide insights into the linkages between the social acceptance and the political legitimacy of bioenergy, and the role of communication strategies. (C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
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| 14. |
- McCormick, Kes, et al.
(författare)
-
Global Governance of Biofuels for Transport: Viewpoints of Key Stakeholders?
- 2012
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the context of the emerging bioeconomy, the production and use of biofuels for transport is expanding rapidly around the world. This development presents both exciting opportunities and significant risks. Not least because biofuels are intimately connected to (and impacting on) food, water, climate and economic systems. The implications of different production chains and the international trade of biofuels is attracting interest from a range of actors across government, industry, society and academia. The purpose of this paper is to explore the viewpoints of key stakeholders (focusing on bioenergy, environmental, and scientific organisations) on the global governance of biofuels for transport. The key stakeholders investigated in this paper include: the World Bioenergy Association and the Global Bioenergy Partnership; Friends of the Earth and the World Wide Fund for Nature; and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics and the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment. This paper explores the governance of biofuels for transport through the analytical problems defined by the Earth System Governance Project, which encompass architecture, agency, adaptiveness, accountability, and allocation and access. With the analytical problems as a foundation, this paper argues that the global governance of biofuels demands critical attention.
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| 15. |
- McCormick, Kes, et al.
(författare)
-
Governance of Biofuels for Transport in Europe: Lessons from Sweden and the UK
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Biofuels. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1759-7277 .- 1759-7269. ; 3:3, s. 293-305
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Biofuels for transport are attracting considerable support from the European Union. However, the complexity of the biofuels industry and the diversity of actors create significant challenges for policy-making and governance. This paper explores the role of governance in the development of the biofuels industry in Europe focusing on Sweden and the UK. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the similarities and differences of governance activities in these countries, and to identify lessons for policy-makers on how to establish and expand (sustainable and competitive) biofuels for transport. Sweden and the UK are selected as they provide contrasting pictures of the biofuels industry in Europe.
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| 16. |
- McCormick, Kes
(författare)
-
It’s the bio-economy, stupid!
- 2012
-
Ingår i: Sustainability, Journal from the Swedish Research Council Formas. - 1654-8329.
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Tidskriftsartikel (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- The bio-economy represents a significant shift in socio-economic, agricultural, energy and technical systems. The concept of the bio-economy – also called the bio-based economy or the knowledge-based bio-economy in Europe – can be understood as an economy where the basic building blocks for materials, chemicals and energy are derived from renewable biological resources, such as plant and animal sources. This type of economy can meet the requirements of sustainability from environmental, social and economic perspectives. The bio-economy is being made possible by the recent surge in scientific knowledge and technical competences that can be used to harness biological processes. Significant advances can also be expected over the coming decades.
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| 17. |
- McCormick, Kes, et al.
(författare)
-
It’s the bioeconomy, stupid! An Introduction to the World of Bioenergy
- 2013
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Bioenergy is booming around the world and with the expansion comes exciting opportunities and some disturbing risks. Learning about bioenergy – from technologies, to resources, to policies – is important to the success and sustainability of the bioeconomy. This interactive guide for school students (16-18 years) and teachers opens the door to understanding and engaging in the transition from the fossil-based economy to a bio-based economy. Jump in!
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| 18. |
- McCormick, Kes, et al.
(författare)
-
Sustainable urban transformation and the green urban economy
- 2013
-
Ingår i: The economy of green cities. - Bonn, Tyskland : International Council for Local Environmental InitiativesInternational Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. - 9789400719699 ; , s. 33-43
-
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)
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| 19. |
- McCormick, Kes, et al.
(författare)
-
Sustainable Urban Transformation and the Green Urban Economy
- 2012
-
Ingår i: The Economy of Green Cities: A World Compendium on the Green Urban Economy.
-
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This chapter explores the connections between the concepts of sustainable urban transformation and the green urban economy, proposes a framework for understanding how these concepts “fit” together, and makes some practical suggestions for local governments (and national and international policy).
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| 20. |
- Mccormick, Kes, et al.
(författare)
-
Sustainable Urban Transformation and the Green Urban Economy
- 2013
-
Ingår i: The Economy of Green Cities : A World Compendium on the Green Urban Economy - A World Compendium on the Green Urban Economy. - Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands. - 9789400719682 - 9789400719699 ; 3, s. 33-43
-
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This chapter explores the connections between the concepts of sustainable urban transformation and the green urban economy, proposes a framework for understanding how these concepts ‘fit’ together, and makes some practical suggestions for local governments and for national and international policy.
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| 21. |
- McCormick, Kes
(författare)
-
The bioeconomy and beyond: Visions and strategies
- 2014
-
Ingår i: Biofuels. - 1759-7277. ; 5:3, s. 191-193
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A bioeconomy can be defined as an economy where the basic building blocks for materials, chemicals and energy are derived from renewable biological resources. Recently, many strategies and visions for the bioeconomy have been produced by industry associations and government agencies. It is apparent from these documents that the actors engaged in the bioeconomy understand the concept in quite different ways. Also, the definitions have evolved in a relatively brief period of time. Nevertheless, what these descriptions have in common is that they often highlight stimulating economic outputs and creating public welfare, realising the latent value in biological resources, and establishing collaborations across sectors, particularly agriculture and energy. Biotechnology and the biorefinery concept are considered essential components of the bioeconomy, which can transform a range of biomass feedstocks into valuable products. Biofuels for transport (the most visible output of the bioeconomy at present) and a mix of bio-based products are expected to underpin the shift towards an advanced bioeconomy.
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| 22. |
- McCormick, Kes, et al.
(författare)
-
The Bioeconomy in Europe: An Overview
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 5:6, s. 2589-2608
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- A bioeconomy can be defined as an economy where the basic building blocks for materials, chemicals and energy are derived from renewable biological resources. This paper provides an overview of the bioeconomy in Europe, examining it from a policy framework and concept perspective. The role of bioenergy in the bioeconomy is discussed particularly through biofuels for transport and biorefineries. The study finds that the definitions of the bioeconomy are evolving and vary depending on the actor, but display similarities such as the emphasis on economic output and a broad, cross-sectoral focus. While there is great optimism about the benefits and opportunities associated with developing an advanced bioeconomy in Europe, significant risks and trade-offs are also expressed. Furthermore, the bioeconomy concept has been criticised for presenting a technical fix and pre-empting alternative visions. To advance a competitive and sustainable bioeconomy, this paper calls for attention on two important themes: participatory governance that engages the general public and key stakeholders in an open and informed dialogue as well as a commitment by government and industry to innovation that drives concerted efforts on sustainable development of the bioeconomy.
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| 23. |
- McCormick, Kes
(författare)
-
The Century of the Sustainable City
- 2013
-
Ingår i: The Conversation.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- The relationship between cities and sustainability has been rising up the international agenda over the past few decades. But the role of cities as centres of global economic development and their part in changing environmental and social conditions has gained much more attention recently.
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| 24. |
- McCormick, Kes
(författare)
-
The Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy in Europe
- 2010
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the emerging Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) in Europe. The first objective is to explore different perspectives and understanding of the bio-economy and its key components. This provides the foundations for the second objective, which is to critically discuss the bio-economy in terms of positive and negative impacts as well as drivers and constraints. Research methodology – Within the KBBE, the focus of this paper is on bioenergy, particularly biofuels for transport and the biorefinery concept. This paper is based on a literature review, discussions with European researchers and practitioners, and questionnaires of bioenergy industry associations. Originality – This paper argues that the growing KBBE and bioenergy in Europe face a host of socio-technical issues that comprise a mix of technological, economic, social, political, environmental, regulatory and cultural aspects. This research work highlights discussion points of increasing relevance for the bio-economy, including the role of public-private networks; city-regions as drivers of the KBBE through ‘guiding visions’; and consumer-citizens and NGOs as key players in the development of the bio-economy. Practical implications – This research work begins to explore the complexity of the KBBE. It provides insights into the emerging bio-economy in the European context and highlights topics of growing importance. The paper concludes with reflections on the bio-economy in terms of definitions, components and perspectives; visions, positives and negatives; and challenges, drivers and constraints.
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| 25. |
- Staffas, L., et al.
(författare)
-
A Global Overview of Bio-economy Strategies and Visions
- 2013
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This overview provides a comparative analysis of strategies and visions for the bio-economy. It concentrates on the US, EU, Finland, Germany, Sweden, Canada and Australia. It comments on China, Russia, Brazil and Malaysia. It also briefly outlines the OECD policy agenda for the bio-economy.
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| 26. |
- Staffas, L., et al.
(författare)
-
Strategies and Policies for the Bioeconomy and Bio-based Economy: An Analysis of Official National Approaches
- 2013
-
Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 5:6, s. 2751-2769
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The onset of formulating strategies and policies regarding the bioeconomy can be, at least partly, attributed to the publication of the bioeconomy policy agenda by the OECD in 2009. The aim of this study is to analyse selected national strategies and policies regarding the development of a bioeconomy and to clarify similarities and differences between them. The article presents a comparative overview of the strategies and policies for developing an advanced bioeconomy in the EU, USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Australia. The documents analysed are in most cases national strategies or policies. The structures and aims of these documents vary and the analysis is further complicated by the terms “bioeconomy” and “bio-based economy” having as yet no clear definition, a point which is discussed in some depth in this article. In the documents analysed, strategies and policies on how to promote the bioeconomy are often presented based on the prerequisites of the country in focus; the need for increased research, development and demonstrations in the area is thus particularly stressed. The main emphasis is often to enhance the economy of a nation and provide new employment and business possibilities, whereas the aspects of sustainability and resource availability are addressed only to a limited extent in many of the documents.
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| 27. |
- Trencher, G., et al.
(författare)
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Beyond the Third Mission: Exploring the Emerging University Function of Co-creation for Sustainability
- 2014
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Ingår i: Science and Public Policy. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1471-5430 .- 0302-3427. ; 41:2, s. 151-179
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper explores a global trend where universities are collaborating with local government, industry and civic organisations to advance the sustainable transformation of a specific town, city or region. With empirical evidence, we argue that this function of ‘cocreation for sustainability’ could be interpreted as the seeds of an emerging, new mission for the university. We demonstrate that this still evolving mission differs significantly to the economic focus of the third mission and conventional technology transfer practices, which we argue, should be critically examined. After defining five channels through which a university can fulfil the emerging mission, we analyse two frontrunner ‘transformative institutions’ engaged in co-creating social transformations in pursuit of materialising sustainable development in specific locations and regions. This study seeks to add to the debate on the third mission and triple-helix partnerships. It does so by incorporating sustainable development and place-based co-creation with government, industry and civil society.
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| 28. |
- Trencher, Greg, et al.
(författare)
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University partnerships for co-designing and co-producing urban sustainability
- 2014
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Ingår i: Global Environmental Change. - : Elsevier BV. - 0959-3780. ; 28, s. 153-165
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Universities are playing an increasingly central role in advancing sustainability at the local, regional and national scale through cross-sector collaborations. Accompanying the launch of Future Earth, interest is mounting in the co-design and co-production of knowledge and solutions for advancing global sustainability, particularly in urban areas. Place-based university partnerships appear as particularly significant vehicles for enacting co-design and co-production in the context of urban sustainability. However, the nature and role of these partnerships are not well understood, in part due to the absence of systematic analyses across multiple cases. To fill this gap, the objectives of this paper were to conduct a large-scale international survey focusing on university partnerships for urban sustainability in industrialised Europe, Asia and North America to (1) determine defining features such as focus areas, geographical scales, mechanisms, actors and motivations, and (2) identify commonly encountered drivers, barriers and potential impacts. Results indicate that partnerships most typically target energy, buildings, governance and social systems, unfold at local or city-scales, and involve collaborations with local or regional government. Our analysis shows that potential outcomes of university initiatives to co-design and co-produce urban sustainability are not limited to knowledge and policy. They also encompass the creation of new technological prototypes, businesses and new socio-technical systems, in addition to transformations of the built and natural environment. Findings also suggest that individual partnerships are making strong social, environmental and sustainability impacts, with less evidence of economic contributions. Strategies are required to enhance project management and ensure that projects address contrasting priorities and time horizons in academia and local government. Implications for policy include findings that targeted funding programmes can play a key role in fostering partnerships. Measures are also required to challenge academic norms and incentive structures that, in some cases, hinder university efforts to engage in place-based initiatives to co-design and co-produce urban sustainability.
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