Title: A full package of gains? Lay perspectives on a bioeconomic transition in Norway

Authors: Maja Farstad; Pia Piroschka Otte

Addresses: Ruralis – Institute for Rural and Regional Research, University Centre Dragvoll, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway ' Ruralis – Institute for Rural and Regional Research, University Centre Dragvoll, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway

Abstract: A sustainable bioeconomy based on production and consumption of food, products, and materials within healthy ecosystems is considered a promising response to global challenges like climate change and environmental degradation combined with a growing population. However, ultimately, it is the public as consumers and citizens who provide the market and governance for bioeconomic development. In this paper, we explore lay perspectives on a bioeconomic transition based on eight focus group interviews with lay people in Norway. Overall, we find that the public appears quite positive towards the idea of a bioeconomic transition due not only to expected global gains, but also to individual gains. The findings are relevant for the design of further bioeconomy-related policies aiming to achieve wide public acceptance.

Keywords: bioeconomy; social acceptance; valuation; collective gains; individual gains; perceived naturalness; Norway.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2021.116813

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2021 Vol.13 No.2, pp.73 - 89

Received: 02 Mar 2020
Accepted: 03 Mar 2021
Published online: 03 Aug 2021 *

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