Memo+17-Study+Components

I will analyze the interactions of social movements, research institutions, government agencies, industry groups, and consumers, as they co-evolve alternative pathways of technological change. The research design includes interviews with an array of stakeholders from dominant industries, regulatory agencies and advocacy organizations. I will collect additional data through participant observation of two advocacy groups-- the Sustainable Bioplastics Consortium and Institute for Local Self-Reliance-- in order to develop a more nuanced perspective on the interactions of these groups with industry members and research institutions. I will also analyze the policies that facilitate or constrain the development of bioplastics, focusing on the national level in the US as well as New York State. To identify the unique characteristics of US policy with respect to bioplastics, I will make a comparison to Germany’s regulatory environment and institutional formation. A final component of analysis develops from an existing and ongoing collaboration with advocates of bioplastics in New York state as they develop avenues for introducing bioplastic goods, manufacturing facilities, and feedstock and waste handling facilities. The combination of long term experiences in New York and observations with movement groups as well as a broad comparative policy analysis will enable the breadth and depth of analysis required to answer the primary questions.