In the first step, the focus and direction of the analysis are defined as the basis for the subsequent procedure. Building on this foundation, the sustainability of the value creation system can be assessed through a clearly defined research question and analytical approach. This ensures that the analysis is conducted with a specific objective rather than without a clear focus.

The analytical focus is determined by the objectives of the users. The following section explains how this focus is defined. As the assessment is concerned with the sustainability of bioeconomy value creation systems, the focus should relate to a target variable that is relevant to these systems. Examples of suitable target variables include:

• a specific biomass type (e.g. winter wheat) or a group of biomass types (e.g. cereals);
• a specific by-product (e.g. brewers’ grains or sawmill wood chips) or a group of by-products (e.g. brewery by-products or sawmill by-products);
• a specific end product (e.g. industrial sugar or blow-in insulation) or a group of end products (e.g. sweeteners or insulation materials);
• a specific stage of the value creation system (e.g. biomass cultivation, pulp production, or biogas generation); and
• a specific process or technology (e.g. biorefining or fermentation).

 

The range of possible target variables extends far beyond the examples provided above. The list is intended solely as a guide to support the formulation of a target variable appropriate to the specific assessment context.
Based on the selected target variable, the analytical focus is subsequently defined in the form of a research question.

 

Example:

Target variable: Processing forms of cattail (Typha)
Analytical focus: How do different Processing forms of cattail (Typha) and the associated value creation systems perform in terms of their sustainability impacts in the study region?

 

The analytical focus should be formulated in a way that allows for different development pathways within the value creation system. The sum of all possible pathways is referred to as the scope for development . The aim of the subsequent analysis is to compare these pathways and identify the most sustainable option in relation to the selected target variable. The scope for development therefore constitutes a central and recurring element. It is part of all data collection questions that relate to the gathering of sustainability-related information (Step 4.2).

The target variable and the analytical focus should be formulated as clearly and precisely as possible while still allowing sufficient room for different system configurations. If it is not possible to limit the analysis to a single target variable and a single research question, the analysis should be conducted in two separate rounds with different target variables and research questions.

 

 

Summary of activities for completing Step 1:

• Definition and formulation of an objective variable
• Definition and formulation of the analytical focus in the form of a research question