A social network analysis of Germany's wood-based bioeconomy: Social capital and shared beliefs

The present study undertakes a social network analysis (SNA) to identify some of the main organisations involved in Germany's wood-based bioeconomy (WBE) innovation system, their relationship to each other and their shared beliefs. The resulting network map shows a rather densely connected “strategic” WBE network where actors exchange mainly information and knowledge. Some 30 organisations are central to the network and act as “brokers” connecting different segments of the network. Despite weak connections, organisations report high levels of trust regarding their cooperation. Most actors share similar visions about the WBE. However, the different meanings and policy preferences associated with these beliefs vary. Given this low frequency of contact and the absence of a shared, common policy vision the WBE networks is less likely to initiate collective action.