Development of an integrated multi-criteria framework to assess the implementation potential of biobased value chains and webs with a territorial approach

New article published by Ricardo Vargas-Carpintero from the UHOH team in the Industrial Crops and Products journal.

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Abstract: Biobased value chains and webs (BVCW) encompass value adding activities and actors from biomass production, its processing into biobased products for manifold sectors, until their commercialization and use. BVCW are part of territorial bioeconomy systems and are shaped by contextual settings. The design and development of BVCW involve strategic decisions towards their sustainable implementation. Throughout the design and development of BVCW, the adoption of an integral approach that links technical aspects of biomass-to-product pathways with non-technical aspects and context factors is necessary to increase the BVCW implementation potential. Accordingly, an active incorporation of the territorial context of BVCW in the design process is required. In view of these requirements, in this study an integrated, multi-criteria framework is developed to assess the implementation potential in BVCW design. For this purpose, key elements from existing biorefinery and biomass supply chain design methodologies are identified and integrated in a multi-criteria framework that allows the consideration of both an internal and external perspective of the BVCW in relation to the context. The conceptualized framework serves as an evaluation approach to check the implementability of biomass-to-product pathways BVCW configurations in form of by means of a multi-criteria catalogue. The set of criteria integrates relevant aspects for the design and development of BVCW from land-based biomass (e.g. crops and crop residues). It entails key criteria related to the functionality of the biomass-to-product pathway in technical-economic terms and the surrounding biophysical, social and economic context. The further operationalization of the multi-criteria catalogue by means of an indicator-based assessment could enable the prioritization and selection of BVCW configurations with best implementation potential. In this way, the framework provides a practical approach for decision-makers, local actors and researchers involved in the design and development of BVCW tailored to the territorial context.