Deconstructing substitution narratives: The case of bioeconomy innovations from the forest-based sector

Under the European Union's bioeconomy strategy, wood-based bioeconomy innovations are expected to produce a stream of marketable substitutive products (lignin-based products, textiles, polymers, chemicals, oils, con-struction materials, etc). By analyzing how different actors frame substitution, this article advances our theo-retical understanding of the drop-in vs functional-innovations (DIFI) framework and critiques the current innovation trajectory that the forest-based sector has embarked upon. The proposed approach sheds light on the role that actors attribute to innovation in the bioeconomy by linking the question of expectations with tech-nological promises and bioeconomy imaginaries. In this respect, this discussion is of relevance for bioeconomy innovation scholars, policymakers, and entrepreneurs seeking to go beyond the current substitution is the so-lution storyline of the forest industry and instead, help shape bioeconomy innovations that have the potential to bring about sustainable and transformative change.

Automated summary

Under the European Union's bioeconomy strategy, wood-based bioeconomy innovations are analyzed to understand the drop-in vs functional-innovations framework and criticize the current trajectory of the forest-based sector. This discussion is relevant for bioeconomy innovation scholars, policymakers, and entrepreneurs seeking to shape sustainable and transformative bioeconomy innovations beyond the current substitution narrative of the forest industry.