Forest-based bioeconomy - to be or not to be? : a socio-technical transition

Abstract: In this study, social acceptance of forest-based bioeconomy and primarily wooden multi-story buildings was examined. This study is a pilot study. Earlier studies have examined different stakeholder groups’ perceptions of the bioeconomy, but one group that has not been examined thoroughly is the public. However, citizens perceptions and knowledge about bioeconomy is vital if a transition towards bioeconomy should take place, which is why this important stakeholder group need to be further examined. This study is aimed to identify hindering and enabling factors for social acceptance of a low-carbon transition in Sweden. The low-carbon transition is represented by a forest-based bioeconomy and wooden multi-story buildings. With the help of a theoretical framework that analyses innovations and social acceptance, several hindering and enabling factors for a low-carbon transition were found within the studied population. The study uses primary data from 204 respondents who answered a survey, and secondary data from scientific studies, policy documents, and official statistics. This study concludes that there was a lack of knowledge in the population regarding forest-based bioeconomy. The knowledge about wooden multi-story buildings was slightly higher. The population, in general, was positive towards wooden multi-story buildings. Among the respondents, the generally positive attitude towards forest-based bioeconomy and the knowledge about wooden multi-story buildings can be seen as enabling factors for social acceptance of a forest-based bioeconomy. An example of a hindering factor was the limited knowledge about the full meaning of the forest-based bioeconomy. This study should be seen as a snapshot of the studied respondents during the specific days the study was carried out, and it can be discussed if generalisations can be made. However, it provides valuable information about current perceptions and knowledge of citizens, which can guide future studies.