Towards a Spatial Analysis of Innovation in Bioplastics

Abstract

The Multi-level Perspective has become an useful approach to study historical processes of innovation at the global level; however, critics and proponents agree on the need to expand its conceptual and empirical basis to explain current transitions to sustainability and their local contexts. Within this framework’s agenda, the article explores the technological and economic development of current bioplastics, identifying researching and patenting capabilities at the international and business levels. The research investigates the role that incumbent and emerging companies play in the transition towards sustainable plastics. Our approach consists in assuming companies as a bridging concept between local and global scales, as well as between the micro and macro level analysis in socio-technical regimes. A bibliometric and patentometric study (1991-2018), has been conducted in order to investigate the match between research and production capacities and their evolution at an international level. Resultantly, the article has managed to identify consolidated and emerging companies.

From this sample, Total SA, an emblematic company in the sector, has been chosen to illustrate strategic alliances with companies or organizations either internal or external to the regime.

Regarding the development of the Multilevel Perspective’s methodological framework, the article demonstrates the feasibility of conducting company and spatial analysis to explain sustainability transitions. While in relation to the sustainable bioplastics sector, the article reveals how consolidated and emerging companies, external to the regime, have developed cooperation strategies, managing to adapt themselves to the transforming pressures to which the plastics industry is compelled.