Perceiving the Forest-based Sector in the Bioeconomy

The aim of PerForm is to better understand regional disparities of national bioeconomy policies and the perceptions of a forest-based bioeconomy. We explore the diversity of perceptions and acceptance of a forest-based bioeconomy in Europe in order to foster participation of different forest stakeholders and the broader public through an informed and open dialogue. The highly experienced social scientists in the field of forest-bioeconomy involved in PerForm analyze perceptions of various stakeholder groups across Europe (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland) and Russia. Methodologically, we build extensively on qualitative document analysis, stakeholder interviews and innovative communication tools.
The main outcomes of this cooperation network are an online information platform and an open access e-learning course that aims to inform forest stakeholders, policy makers, students and the interested public about the forest-based bioeconomy in the different regions of Europe and Russia. The scientific results of the network will be collected and published in a special issue.