Reflecting Regional Conditions in Circular Bioeconomy Scenarios: A Multi-Criteria Approach for Matching Technologies and Regions

Abstract

The Circular Bioeconomy (CBE) combines the concepts of bioeconomy and a circular economy. As an alternative concept to the current fossil-based, linear economy, it describes an economy based on the efficient valorization of biomass. It is regional in nature and aims to improve sustainability. An analysis of the transition process, by identifying its success criteria and assessing its impacts through the modeling of technology-specific scenarios, is necessary to ensure that CBE concepts are sustainable. However, a comprehensive consideration of regional influences on both is lacking. Based on extensive literature research and an expert survey, we develop a multi-criteria approach where we (i) present a comprehensive catalog of CBE success criteria and discuss their region-specific characters and (ii) develop a methodology based on evaluation matrices that enable CBE technologies to be matched with regions. The matrices support the evaluation of technological and regional characteristics influencing successful CBE implementation. The results show that the success criteria “biomass resources”, “technological”, and “social” are perceived as highly important, and that most of the success criteria are both region- and technology-specific, highlighting the relevance of developing matrices to match them. We describe such matrices indicatively for the two broadest and most important success criteria clusters “social acceptance” and “biomass supply chain”. With this, we substantiate the regional nature of CBE and raise the awareness on the importance of considering regional conditions in CBE transition processes. Furthermore, we provide practical guidance on how regional conditions can be reflected in the selection of technologies, e.g., in regional CBE technology scenarios.