Title: Bioeconomy potential - focus on Northern Finland

Authors: Antti Haapala; Janne Härkönen; Pekka Leviäkangas; Pekka Kess; Hely Häggman; Jouko Arvola; Tuomas Stoor; Ari Ämmälä; Katja Karppinen; Mari Leppilampi; Jouko Niinimäki

Addresses: School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101, Joensuu, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Finland, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Finland, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Finland, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Biology, University of Oulu, Finland, P.O. Box 3000, FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu, Finland, P.O. Box 4300, FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu, Finland, P.O. Box 4300, FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Biology, University of Oulu, Finland, P.O. Box 3000, FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Biology, University of Oulu, Finland, P.O. Box 3000, FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu, Finland, P.O. Box 4300, FI-90014, Finland

Abstract: The paper contributes towards improving the understanding over the potential of bioeconomy by focusing on a regional context. The study is realised by applying a combination of PESTEL analysis, resource analysis and analysing true and potential cases with high bioeconomy relevance and potential for substantial commercial volume. Hence, this article combines approaches of strategy development and analyses cases in bioeconomy context with a specific regional perspective. The results provide an overview on the potential of bioeconomy, particularly that of Northern Finland, but also the entire country. The article brings forward sustainability considerations aside from demonstrating the complexity inherent to the topic. Opportunities and potential are demonstrated by presenting case examples. The findings can benefit both the academia and those involved in planning and implementing relevant actions towards bioeconomy - both in general and in the selected setting.

Keywords: bioeconomy; sustainable economy; regional development; trends; development; strategy; industry; ecosystems; value networks; sustainability; investment; society; technology; biomass; renewable resources; natural resources; Finland; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSE.2015.066408

International Journal of Sustainable Economy, 2015 Vol.7 No.1, pp.66 - 90

Received: 13 Sep 2014
Accepted: 15 Sep 2014
Published online: 18 Dec 2014 *

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