Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/234530 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Citation: 
[Journal:] Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning [ISSN:] 1522-7200 [Volume:] 23 [Issue:] 2 [Publisher:] Taylor & Francis [Place:] London [Year:] 2021 [Pages:] 227-242
Publisher: 
Taylor & Francis, London
Abstract: 
In this paper, we investigate the promises that are employed within and around clusters that were formed in the evolving bioeconomy: bioclusters for short. Our paper aims to provide a conceptual clarification of the biocluster concept. To that effect, we employ the prism of sociotechnical imaginaries. We argue that both industrial clusters and the bioeconomy constitute separate, but partly overlapping sociotechnical imaginaries that shape stakeholder attitudes towards bioclusters. We applied a Q-methodology study in two bioeconomy clusters, one in Germany and one in The Netherlands, to investigate the resonance of different imaginaries in the cluster regions. Five distinct narratives, combining specific elements of cluster and bioeconomy imaginaries, are shared by different stakeholder groups. We revealed bioeconomy imaginaries at large to be far more contested than different cluster imaginaries. The latter mobilise overwhelmingly positive associations across diverse stakeholder groups. From this perspective, the popularity of biocluster promotional policies can be explained as they support some of the contested elements of bioeconomy imaginaries in gaining traction.
Subjects: 
bioeconomy
cluster policy
innovation policy
sustainability
Q-methodology
regional development
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article
Document Version: 
Published Version

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