Inclusive Innovation in the Bioeconomy

Abstract

The bioeconomy offers a vision of economic prosperity and ecological sustainability by substituting fossil resources with biomass. The use of biomass is essential to achieve global sustainability targets and novel technologies emerge to exploit biomass in increasingly efficient ways. However, these technological advancements raise critical questions about economic and environmental justice, including the distribution of benefits, ownership rights and their impact on global inequalities. Particularly, concerns arise about the sourcing of biomass from the Global South for processing in the Global North, and how these practices affect sustainability and biodiversity. This chapter explores the concept of inclusive innovation as a solution to these uncertainties, emphasising the engagement of diverse stakeholders in the design and development of technologies to enhance their legitimacy and acceptance. Inclusive innovation aims to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable by integrating their perspectives into innovation strategies. Environmental justice, focusing on distribution, processes, recognition and capabilities, is essential for achieving fair and sustainable bioeconomic practices. By applying these concepts to both regional and global value chains, this chapter demonstrates how meaningful inclusion can enhance opportunities for disadvantaged groups and align bioeconomic practices with local capacities. Inclusive design can also generate support among European farmers to deliver to bio-based value chains. Ultimately, embracing inclusive innovation and environmental justice ensures that the bioeconomy fosters equitable and sustainable development for all.