Expect the Unexpected

Abstract: The notion of the bioeconomy is a growing topic in both politics as well as in academic papers. Related to sustainable transitions, this paper analyses to what extent differences in visions and expectations exist in the developing bioeconomy. In particular, the aim of this thesis is to increase the knowledge regarding differences in expectations and visions for industries collaborating in the development of the bioeconomy. According to earlier literature, the expectations and visions for the further development of the bioeconomy are highly diverse and sometimes opposing. In order to answer the aim of the thesis a single-case study was performed. The main theories used in the paper is the visions identified by Bugge, Hansen & Klitkou (2016), and the arena of expectations framework developed by Bakker, Van Lente, & Meeus (2011). The case analysed, Skogskemi, is a collaboration between the forest and chemical industry in Sweden in the development of the bioeconomy. It is concluded that several competing visions and expectations can be identified in the case. Furthermore, the different actors in the case interpret credible expectations differently.