BIOINNOVATION STRATEGIC AGENDA 1
- 4 - 4.4 Smart digitalisation For the circular b
ioeconomy, digitalisation is expected to be a necessary, and absolutely crucial prerequisite for success. Various actors in the bio-based sector – raw material producers, manufacturers, designers, architects and others – have long produced large amounts of data. This can be anything from timber sorting and process management, to quality controls. Historically, this information has not actually been passed between the steps along the value chain, and instead, new information has been created at every step. Now, the development of information management systems makes it possible to track and to use data in an information value chain, that follows the material value chain. This development brings gains in efficiency, both in logistics and processes as well as in quality control and business systems. It can also guarantee the origin of the raw material for trademarks, which benefits the industries contributing to the conversion to a bioeconomy. The bio-based sector has no need to push digitalisation for its own sake. Instead, it is a question of identifying opportunities and using the new tools that digitalisation offers. One significant starting point is that general tools, such as machine learning, are not expected to be able to contribute significantly to the area, unless they are clearly linked to process know how and to specific understanding of the market. There is great potential in the digital information value chains of the bioeconomy. But there are challenges as well as opportunities that are linked to using information flows and closed data loops as a way to increase efficiency and added value. Examples of clearly affected areas are products, processes, aftermarkets and customer behaviour. 4.5 Knowledge about the bio-based sector The use of bio-based materials must inspire, attract and be accepted by the constructors, designers and architects who develop new products and materials. One challenge is creating the conditions that make users feel secure about taking the step towards bio-based materials – that there is sufficient volume of bio-based materials, that their performance is known, that the tools for construction and design are in place, and that inspiring examples already exist. Otherwise, there is the risk of many people choosing the familiar, short-term safety that the current material concept already offers. Taking the step into bio-based alternatives also implies an increased need for knowledge as well as clear information explaining why bio-based solutions can be a more sustainable and favourable alternative. Therefore, common terms and concepts, sustainability criteria, frameworks for lifecycle analysis, as well as reliable data are all required. Photo: Simon Eliasson, LTU 18