As a result of this revision, the originally envisaged quantitative scoring approach for assessing the sustainability of bioeconomic value creation systems was transformed into a modular system designed to support advisory and dialogue processes. These processes aim to identify pathways, options for action, and areas of focus in order to capture, assess, and promote sustainable structural change through regional bioeconomic value creation systems. The revised system comprises the following modules:
Module 1: Defining and mapping the value chain
Step 1: Defining the Analytical Focus
- Definition and formulation of an objective variable
- Definition and formulation of the analytical focus in the form of a research question
Step 2: Defining the Boundaries of the Value Creation System
- Delimitation of the bioeconomy region into a core region, immediate surroundings, and external zone
- Specification of the raw material base of the value creation system (optional)
- Specification of the value creation stages (optional)
- Description of the processes within the value creation system (optional)
- Specification of markets and products within the value creation system (optional)
- Setting development goals for sustainable regional structural change
- Formulation of questions and response options (including open-ended responses) based on the analytical focus and system boundaries for the characteristics listed above
- Identification of all actors located within the defined system boundaries
- Conducting the survey
- Integration of the profiles into a database
Module 2: Data collection
Step 4: Preparation of the Questionnaire for Data Collection
- Specification of the thematic aspects (Steps 4.1 to 4.3) based on the objective variable, analytical focus, and system boundaries defined in Module 1, and formulation as specific questions
- Assignment of one or more data collection methods to each question
- Identification and selection of data sources and/or interview partners for each question
Step 5: Conducting Data Collection
- Completion of the questionnaire
- Documentation of data for each question
- Optional: Further development of the questionnaire and identification of additional data sources and/or interview partners
Module 3: Analysis and evaluation
Step 6: Analysis and Assessment of the Collected Data
- Synthesis: Integration of collected information from different questions, methods, and data sources using the indicator framework
- Condensation: Consolidation of information for each indicator
- Assessment: Evaluation of sustainability for each indicator based on the assessment scale by multiple evaluators
- Derivation of key findings: Summary of the current sustainability performance of the value creation system and development of recommendations for action towards sustainable regional structural change
Step 7: Workshops for Interpretation of Results
- Selection and invitation of participants
- Discussion of the composition and characteristics of the value creation system
- Discussion of the results of the sustainability assessment
- Documentation of the workshop through minutes and jointly developed sketches, overviews, or boards
Step 8: Evaluation of the Workshop Phase
- Allocation of workshop results to the indicator framework
- Further consolidation and revision of results in the form of key findings, an adapted assessment, and recommendations for action
- Documentation of the further development of results through the workshop process
Module 4: Processing and transfer of results
Step 9: Compilation and Preparation of Results
- Summary and presentation of the investigated value creation system
- Linking the sustainability assessment with the investigated value creation system
- Derivation of alternative regional transformation pathways
- Identification of actors and networks for implementing the recommendations for action
Step 10: Transfer of Results and Establishment of Routines
- Transfer of results into the value creation system
- Communication of recommendations for action to the identified decision-makers
- Continuous implementation of the profile survey with additional actors
- Establishment of a regular exchange format
The procedure for implementing each module is described in detail in the following sections.