A1 Journal article (refereed)
Digitalized bioeconomy : Planned obsolescence-driven circular economy enabled by Co-Evolutionary coupling (2019)


Watanabe, C., Naveed, K., & Neittaanmäki, P. (2019). Digitalized bioeconomy : Planned obsolescence-driven circular economy enabled by Co-Evolutionary coupling. Technology in Society, 56, 8-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2018.09.002

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Watanabe, Chihiro; Naveed, Kashif; Neittaanmäki, Pekka

Journal or series: Technology in Society

ISSN: 0160-791X

eISSN: 1879-3274

Publication year: 2019

Volume: 56

Issue number: 0

Pages range: 8-30

Publisher: Pergamon Press

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2018.09.002

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/62845


Abstract

Driven by digital solutions, the bioeconomy is taking major steps forward in recent years toward achievement of the long-lasting goal of transition from a traditional fossil economy to a bioeconomy-based circular economy.

The coupling of digitalization and bioeconomy is leading towards a digitalized bioeconomy that can satisfy the shift in consumers’ preferences for eco-consciousness, which in turn induces coupling of up-down stream operation in the value chain.

Thus, the co-evolution of the coupling of digitalization and bioeconomy and of upstream and downstream operations is transforming the forest-based bioeconomy into a digital platform industry.

Aiming at addressing this transformation, a model was developed that explains above mentioned dynamism and demonstrated its reliability through an empirical analysis focusing on the development trajectory of UPM (forest-based ecosystem leader in Europe and a world pioneer in the circular economy) over the last quarter century, highlighting its efforts towards planned obsolescence-driven circular economy.

It was comprehended that with the advancement of digital innovations, UPM has incorporated a self-propagating function that accelerates digital solution. Furthermore, this self-propagating function was triggered by coupling with a downstream leader, Amazon, in the United States.

The dynamism in transforming a forest-based bioeconomy into a digital platform industry is thus clarified, and new insights common to all industries in the digital economy are provided.


Keywords: bioeconomy; digitalisation; new economy; circular economy

Free keywords: digitalized bioeconomy; digital-bio coupling; upstream-downstream coupling; planned obsolescence


Contributing organizations


Related projects


Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2019

JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2024-08-01 at 15:56