A Technological Innovation Systems Analysis of Bilberry Bio-extraction: From the Globe to Sweden

Abstract: The bilberry is a natural resource in European countries, represented by Sweden, and has been shown to have unique health benefits. Therefore, the bio-extraction industry for deriving valuable biomass from bilberries shows promising future development. Currently, there is no study that comprehensively describes the structural component, development path, and system dynamics of the bilberry bio-extraction industry. This thesis interviewed seven stakeholders from the most important regions regarding the bilberry bio-extraction industry, including Europe, the United States, and China. Primary data from industry and academia were collected through the seven semi-structured interviews, as well as secondary data from various sources. The technological innovation system of the global bilberry bio-extraction industry was established, the seven system functions were analyzed, and the development path of the system was summarized and synthesized in a timeline. The study also systematically described and dissected the endogenous dynamics of the global bilberry bio-extraction technology innovation system and the background of the Swedish bilberry bio-extraction field. Suggestions are made for the development of this system in Sweden. The study found that Sweden has sufficient knowledge and technological potential. The main obstacle is the domestic bio-extraction system's lack of capital and resources. Possible recommendations are to encourage industry-academia cooperation and to develop the application of sustainable technologies such as bilberry-leftover. For small start-ups, in addition to software support such as knowledge and technology training, hardware support such as pilot plants and adulteration detection could be given to lower the entry threshold.