Multi-dimensional analysis of the viability of emerging rural circular bioclusters: proposition of a Canvas

This article develops a multi-dimensional analysis tool, the ‘Canvas for the viability of emerging circular bioclusters’. The Canvas is based on a scoping literature review, covering business models of the circular bioeconomy, (bio)clusters, cluster and supply chain viability, and proximity relationships. It is validated and refined via six empirical case studies mainly from the Occitanie region in France. Compared to the original firm-centric business model canvas which basically aims at economic value creation, this new canvas allows systematically evaluating the conditions and viability of emerging collaborative circular bioeconomy clusters where different geographically close actors jointly aim to valorize biomass in sustainable ways. A complete set of socio-economic and environmental viability factors are identified, encompassing the ecosystem, value proposition including technical and legal feasibility, economic profitability, territorial anchoring and environmental performance. Results further show the interrelations of all viability dimensions and their potential tradeoffs. This study makes an original contribution to existing circular bioeconomy business model and sustainable rural development literature by proposing a structured analysis tool to assess the viability of regional circular bioclusters. The application of the Canvas to data-rich case studies illustrates its effectiveness and identifies the levers and barriers to the emergence, development and sustainability of rural circular bioclusters. Insights from this study also provide valuable information to stakeholders involved in the development and management of these bioclusters.