Introduction 7
1.1.3 Methodological approaches
Different methodologies are applied throughout the book to analyse the
emerging circular bioeconomy and the valorisation of waste streams. Given
the breadth and diversity of the subject, the research goals have been pursued
using a variety of research tools belonging to both the qualitative and quantitative spheres.
The studies of the sectors of origin of the residuals combine transition
theory, innovation theory and global value chain analysis. Data sources are
here principally represented by interviews, workshops, event history analyses
and document analyses, all related to case studies of ongoing and emerging
valorisation processes. Additional quantitative data, such as national and
regional accounts of waste streams, complement the technical foundation of
the study.
Cross- sectoral perspectives are centred on quantitative methods. An
analysis of the curricula vitae of experts involved in Norwegian research and
development projects, funded by the Research Council of Norway and explicitly addressing the bioeconomy, will shed light on the knowledge base of the
Norwegian bioeconomy. In addition, an analysis of research and development
(R&D) statistics, firm- level data and surveys will provide an insight into the
actors and their roles in the bioeconomy.
The book’s chapters, pertaining to scientific reviews and scoping reflections, are based on theoretical reasoning on the previous academic literature,
supported by bibliometric inferences. When making policy suggestions, semistructured interviews and expert workshops have been accompanied by document analyses of the regulatory framework for valorisation processes. LCA
methods have also been explored, to allow for a more direct response to
governance- related questions.
1.2 Important themes addressed in the book
In the following we explain some of the main thematic issues addressed in the
book, such as circularity, regional embedding and geographical context of
waste valorisation, resource ownership and inter- firm governance, and policy
and regulations of waste valorisation.
1.2.1 Circularity across established sectors
When analysing processes in the bioeconomy, the literature has often applied a
sectoral approach, i.e. analysing developments in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, etc., and has largely focused on the primary production of organic products. Instead, when analysing the circular bioeconomy, we have decided to also
consider value creation, which crosses the traditionally defined sectors. Crosssectoral connections are difficult to establish, since the economic actors would
need to understand the properties of waste streams in unfamiliar sectors, and to
1.1.3 Methodological approaches
Different methodologies are applied throughout the book to analyse the
emerging circular bioeconomy and the valorisation of waste streams. Given
the breadth and diversity of the subject, the research goals have been pursued
using a variety of research tools belonging to both the qualitative and quantitative spheres.
The studies of the sectors of origin of the residuals combine transition
theory, innovation theory and global value chain analysis. Data sources are
here principally represented by interviews, workshops, event history analyses
and document analyses, all related to case studies of ongoing and emerging
valorisation processes. Additional quantitative data, such as national and
regional accounts of waste streams, complement the technical foundation of
the study.
Cross- sectoral perspectives are centred on quantitative methods. An
analysis of the curricula vitae of experts involved in Norwegian research and
development projects, funded by the Research Council of Norway and explicitly addressing the bioeconomy, will shed light on the knowledge base of the
Norwegian bioeconomy. In addition, an analysis of research and development
(R&D) statistics, firm- level data and surveys will provide an insight into the
actors and their roles in the bioeconomy.
The book’s chapters, pertaining to scientific reviews and scoping reflections, are based on theoretical reasoning on the previous academic literature,
supported by bibliometric inferences. When making policy suggestions, semistructured interviews and expert workshops have been accompanied by document analyses of the regulatory framework for valorisation processes. LCA
methods have also been explored, to allow for a more direct response to
governance- related questions.
1.2 Important themes addressed in the book
In the following we explain some of the main thematic issues addressed in the
book, such as circularity, regional embedding and geographical context of
waste valorisation, resource ownership and inter- firm governance, and policy
and regulations of waste valorisation.
1.2.1 Circularity across established sectors
When analysing processes in the bioeconomy, the literature has often applied a
sectoral approach, i.e. analysing developments in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, etc., and has largely focused on the primary production of organic products. Instead, when analysing the circular bioeconomy, we have decided to also
consider value creation, which crosses the traditionally defined sectors. Crosssectoral connections are difficult to establish, since the economic actors would
need to understand the properties of waste streams in unfamiliar sectors, and to