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The promises of drop-in vs. functional innovations: The case of bioplastics

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  • Befort, N.

Abstract

This paper introduces the difference between “drop-in innovation” and “functional innovation”. The former aims to maintain the existing paradigm, while the latter aims to fulfill equivalent functionalities favouring low-tech and degrowth options, instead of promising sustainability without changes thanks to technological change. Moving beyond the debate regarding the nature of eco-innovations, a social ecological economics of eco-innovation promises is developed to determine the potential contribution of eco-innovations to the transition towards a post-growth economy. This framework is applied to the case of bioplastics showing how they may depart from the productivism paradigm.

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  • Befort, N., 2021. "The promises of drop-in vs. functional innovations: The case of bioplastics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:181:y:2021:i:c:s0921800920313537
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106886
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    Cited by:

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    3. Ansink, Erik & Wijk, Louise & Zuidmeer, Frederiek, 2022. "No clue about bioplastics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    4. Fischer, Lennart & Losacker, Sebastian & Wydra, Sven, 2024. "National specialization and diversification in the bioeconomy: Insights from biobased technologies in chemical and pharmaceutical sectors," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Expectations; Promises; Bioplastics; Polylactic acid; Eco-innovation; Social ecological economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q16 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - R&D; Agricultural Technology; Biofuels; Agricultural Extension Services
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • L65 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Chemicals; Rubber; Drugs; Biotechnology; Plastics
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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