Policy

WP10: Integrated governance policy for bioeconomic transition

The transition to a bioeconomy calls for a shift in both policy and policy research. Specifically, governance research needs to look at issues such as “long-term societal trends and needs across sectors and across multiple actors” particularly the vertical and horizontal integration of sectoral and bioeconomy policies (Kleinschmit et al., 2014: 406 – emphasis added). A broad social science perspective and a reflexive governance viewpoint can reveal how factors such as inadequate institutional change, limited cooperation over sector borders, and adjustment problems caused by path dependency can threaten successful transition.
Aims and objectives: WP10 will identify how institutional settings have shaped governance structures and the choice of governance measures in the farming, fisheries, forestry, industry, and bioscience sectors, and identify opportunities for greater coordination of relevant sectoral policies. To do this it will conduct a policy analysis to (a) define factors for successful bioeconomic policy based on international examples (with WP3), (b) assess required changes to institutional settings to reduce “siloing” in current governance, and (c) test the practical feasibility and acceptability of integrated governance regimes (with WPs 2b and 4). Particular attention will also be paid to the role of environmental policies in ensuring sustainable resource use and how macro-economic and trade policy objectives influence the transition process.

Methods: WP10 will closely collaborate with WPs 2 to 5, but also utilise data from, and provide information to, WPs 6 to 9. Information and data will be obtained through a review of relevant literature and interviews with key experts involved in the development, implementation and evaluation of integrated governance regimes. A comparative case study analysis across countries will provide a powerful approach to engage stakeholders and decision makers in learning towards improved governance (De Stafano, 2010). The main methodological basis of WP10 is the mapping and analysis of institutional settings and governance structures involved in implementing and supporting policies related to bioeconomic development. An (a) desk-based review of relevant documents and projects, (b) interviews and surveys with relevant authorities and stakeholders and, (c) close collaboration with the foresight analysis in WP2 will provide data for identifying how to change institutional settings and governance approaches.

Outputs: The results will be synthesised into a set of policy briefs on the factors of success for integrated governance regimes, required institutional settings, and policy recommendations (roadmaps) for the development of a smart bioeconomy.

WP leader: Dr Steffen Noleppa, Agripol (Germany).

Additional participants: Ruralis. Dr. Jostein Brobakk, Ruralis.