Macroalgae as a renewable resource for a fossil-independent region - Analysis of the innovation system of macroalgae in Western Sweden

Abstract

Eutrophication 1 and the need to produce materials from renewable resources are sustainability challenges that we are currently presented with. One solution for these issues is the cultivation of algae, because it provides ecosystem-services such as mitigation of eutrophication and can be processed into a variety of inherently biobased products. The opportunities for macroalgae cultivation that the long coastline on the Swedish West Coast offers have however hardly been seized. Therefore, this thesis aims at identifying the developments that have taken place and the factors that are hindering or promoting the development, resulting in a proposal of policy changes required for further development. The overarching aim of this thesis is to take on complex sustainability challenges in the setting of the Challenge Lab at Chalmers University of Technology. The identification of a sustainability challenge by using the backcasting approach is the first part of this thesis with the second part of finding a strategy towards closing the sustainability gap. Opinions and insights from different stakeholders were the main source of information, gathered during ten interviews and one workshop. Complementary actions were researching existing publications and reports on the technology of macroalgae as well as identifying connected activities in Western Sweden. The data analysis was carried out based on the framework of the Technological Innovation System. The study shows that the development of macroalgae is in an early stage, but emerging entrepreneurial activities and increasing knowledge development are moving the development forward. Additionally, the support from funding is what has been enabling the development and is necessary to generate incentives to induce new activities and to further advance the knowledge base. However, it is necessary to simplify the process to obtain a cultivation permit and to provide subsidies for ecosystem services to overcome the barriers that legislative issues pose. These are necessary changes in order for macroalgae to unfold its potential to develop into a noteworthy technology in Western Sweden.