Addressing the challenge of wood mobilisation through a systemic innovation lens: The Irish forest sector innovation system

In the face of growing demand for sustainable sources biomass, challenge mobilising non-industrial private forest landowners (NIPF) with varying management objectives, to actively manage their forests and increase supply wood is an area research policy focus. While innovation knowledge exchange increasingly viewed as a means promoting mobilisation, structural weaknesses in sector such deficiencies institutional infrastructural setting or capacity stakeholders, can negatively influence processes. Addressing these overarching challenges requires systemic analysis barriers across whole. This case study Irish develops comprehensive systems framework, integrating functional streams research. `coupled structural–functional’ framework applied identify number interconnected problems that hinder functioning system potential co-innovation mobilisation sector. Three sets key are identified, among which there negative feedback. These so called `blocking mechanisms' have developed over time result historical patterns practice, prevailing culture, attitude regulation defined here (i) weak networks blocking development new owners, (ii) reach effectiveness networks, (iii) rigid structures co-innovation. To address current environment, this makes recommendations promote tackle multi-dimensional mobilisation.