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Qualitative Stakeholder Analysis for a Swedish Regional Biogas Development: A Thematic Network Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Komalsingh Rambaree

    (Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Agneta Sundström

    (Department of Business and Economic Studies, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Zhao Wang

    (Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainability Science, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Sandra Ann Ingela Wright

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Gävle, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

Abstract

The creation of pathways toward a societal transition to clean energy requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders with different and sometimes conflicting interests. In this connection, stakeholder analysis (SA) offers a technique for identifying, assessing and structuring different needs, interests and concerns related to different stakeholders within the context of sustainability. This article aims to present the findings from a qualitative stakeholder analysis (QSA) by using a thematic network approach (TNA), with the help of the ATLAS.ti software. It focuses on Project X, which was aimed at engaging multiple stakeholders and creating favorable conditions for small and medium-sized companies in a region situated in the central part of Sweden, with the potential to start biogas production. In this work, the findings and discussions of the QSA using TNA are structured by using the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal (PESTEL) themes of the model. The present study concludes that for the small-scale biogas industry to successfully develop an understanding of the possibilities of the biogas value chain, it is necessary to have analyzed the nature of the main themes by which various stakeholders relate to biogas production and envision their contribution to creating a sustainable society. Herein, we demonstrate that QSA by a TNA, combined with the application of a PESTEL model, are valuable analytical tools in sustainable project management. The lessons from Project X can be applied to other local biogas initiatives, as many identified threats and opportunities are shared by others.

Suggested Citation

  • Komalsingh Rambaree & Agneta Sundström & Zhao Wang & Sandra Ann Ingela Wright, 2021. "Qualitative Stakeholder Analysis for a Swedish Regional Biogas Development: A Thematic Network Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:14:p:8003-:d:596279
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    1. Romulus Iagăru & Anca Șipoș & Pompilica Iagăru, 2023. "Strategic Thinking and Its Role in Accelerating the Transition from the Linear to the Circular Economic Model—Case Study of the Agri-Food Sector in the Sibiu Depression Microregion, Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Sandra Ricart & Antonio M. Rico-Amorós, 2022. "Can agriculture and conservation be compatible in a coastal wetland? Balancing stakeholders’ narratives and interactions in the management of El Hondo Natural Park, Spain," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 39(2), pages 589-604, June.
    3. Eichhorn, Theresa & Schaller, Lena & Hamunen, Katri & Runge, Tania, 2024. "Exploring macro-environmental factors influencing adoption of result-based and collective agri-environmental measures: a PESTLE approach based on stakeholder statements," Bio-based and Applied Economics Journal, Italian Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AIEAA), vol. 13(1), May.
    4. Ashton W. Merck & Khara D. Grieger & Alison Deviney & Anna-Maria Marshall, 2023. "Using a Phosphorus Flow Diagram as a Boundary Object to Inform Stakeholder Engagement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-10, July.

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