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Innovation and Networks in the Bioeconomy: A Case Study from the German Coffee Value Chain

Author

Listed:
  • Terese E. Venus

    (University of Passau)

  • Caroline Beale

    (Technical University of Munich)

  • Roberto Villalba

    (Technical University of Munich)

Abstract

The transition to a circular bioeconomy requires innovation across many sectors, but social dynamics within a sector’s network may affect innovation potential. We investigate how network dynamics relate to the perceptions and adoption of bioeconomy innovation using a case study from the food processing sector. Our case study of the German coffee value chain represents a technologically advanced sector with a strong sustainability focus and potential for residue valorization, which is an important dimension of a sustainable circular bioeconomy. We identify three distinct views (pioneers, traditional and limited users) related to residue valorization, map linkages between actors using social network analysis, and highlight barriers to innovation. We collected data through an online survey and semi-structured interviews with key actors in the coffee roasting sector. Within the social network analysis, we find that public waste managers are closely linked to the most influential actors, state actors such as the customs and tax offices can quickly interact with others in the network and promote the spread of information (highest closeness centrality) and specific roasters play an important role as intermediaries for efficient communication (highest betweenness centrality). Finally, we identify four main barriers including the structure of the coffee network, inconsistencies in federal waste regulations, economies of scale, and visions of sustainability. To support a sustainable bioeconomy, we recommend that policy makers revise the primary regulatory frameworks for waste (e.g., German Recycling Act) to clarify how to classify food residues, their disposal structures and broaden their use streams.

Suggested Citation

  • Terese E. Venus & Caroline Beale & Roberto Villalba, 2024. "Innovation and Networks in the Bioeconomy: A Case Study from the German Coffee Value Chain," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 4(3), pages 1751-1772, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:4:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s43615-024-00357-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s43615-024-00357-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Venus, Terese E. & Strauss, Felix & Venus, Thomas J. & Sauer, Johannes, 2021. "Understanding stakeholder preferences for future biogas development in Germany," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    2. Timothy Conley & Udry Christopher, 2001. "Social Learning Through Networks: The Adoption of New Agricultural Technologies in Ghana," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 83(3), pages 668-673.
    3. Basu, Arnab K. & Hicks, Robert L., "undated". "Label Performance and the Willingness to Pay for Fair Trade Coffee: A Cross-National Perspective," Discussion Papers 44336, University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF).
    4. Andrea Landherr & Bettina Friedl & Julia Heidemann, 2010. "A Critical Review of Centrality Measures in Social Networks," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 2(6), pages 371-385, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shuangqi Olivia Liu & Narcís Bassols i Gardella, 2026. "Entrepreneurs in Circular Economy: On Motivations, Regulations, Markets and Funding," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 6(2), pages 1-23, April.

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