Overcoming non-technical challenges in bioeconomy value-chain development: Learning from practice.

The emerging bioeconomy requires vast amounts of biomass that current value chains cannot provide. Novel biomass value chains therefore need to be developed. To date, only few novel value chains emerged and additional research on their development is much needed. This paper presents the results of an exploratory case-study analysis of a corn stover value-chain development process in two regions: Ontario (Canada) and Flanders (Belgium). Applying an integrated analytical framework and comparing the results with literature, we identified a number of barriers for novel value-chain development and state seven concrete actions that value-chain actors can take to overcome these barriers. These recommendations can be used by policy makers wishing to facilitate the development of novel biomass value chains in their region; by farmers and industrial actors working to establish new avenues to valorize currently underutilized biomass sources and create additional revenues; and by researchers seeking to disseminate and implement their knowledge about novel technologies as well as socio-economic insights. • Involve all stakeholders in advisory committee to ensure a value-chain perspective. • Independent and competent intermediary is needed to guide value-chain development. • Decide common objective first, but recognize individual actors' goals and concerns. • Non-disclosure agreements and time contribute to creation of trust in value chain. • Transparency about research results is crucial for novel value-chain development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]