Fast-growing broadleaf trees in niche configurations: A business model approach to economization and socio-technical transitions
Main Article Content
Keywords
birch, innovation, socio-technical systems, sustainable forestry, value creation
Abstract
Ecological pressures, increasing forest damages, and declining forest biodiversity in Sweden have led to policy changes that seek to diversify practices beyond coniferous rotation forest management and improve the resilience of forests. Increasing the proportion of fast-growing species, such as birch and aspen, is a key alternative to address the challenges faced by the conifer-based system while increasing biomass to support the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Our study applies a business model and value chain approach to a niche configuration perspective to understand how firms use fast-growing broadleaf species to create value and develop pathways toward more broadleaf forestry. Firms create value with these species in six identified configurations combining innovation and niche protection measures. These range from small rural businesses creating birch beverages to industrial-scale production of hardwood textile pulp. We conclude that forest certification has been the most influential form of niche protection, enabling a fit-and-conform transition pathway. Thus, the certification raised broadleaf values without transforming the regime practices. Some configurations demonstrate a stretch-and-transform alternative, building on the material attributes of fast-growing broadleaf species and instigating innovation with potential for a deeper change.
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