Bioenergy emerging paradigm: Collaborative networks and determinants in the upgrading process of technological frontiers

Abstract

This paper examines the collaboration dynamic among areas of knowledge and countries from 1975 to 2017 within the bioenergy field and from a complex network approach, as a driver for the evolution of technological frontiers and emerging paradigms, seeking opportunities for a transition to low carbon economies. The results provide detailed information on international collaboration from patent networks and the spatial distribution of bioenergy, from three perspectives of analysis: origin, development, and potential emerging paths. In addition, the evidence shows that advances in the bioenergy frontiers, more specifically in the biotechnology field, follow a pattern characterized by the intensification of both collaboration and interdependence among several areas of knowledge and countries. With this, we expect to stimulate the debate on innovation dynamics within a complex network perspective and to contribute to policymakers’ decision support regarding bioeconomy innovation systems.