The role of scientists in regional innovation system transformation: shaping the direction to a biomass-bioeconomy

Following evolutionary approaches, regional innovation systems (RISs) scholarship has begun investigating RIS transformation processes. Recently, the focus has shifted towards understanding more sophisticated changes needed to tackle grand societal challenges. So far, the changing roles of RIS actors within these processes have remained underexplored. This paper analyses the role of scientists in supporting transformative changes in RISs, drawing on existing literature on agency and asset modification. Taking the case of the bioeconomy in Lower Austria, the paper shows that scientists, expanding beyond their traditional roles as knowledge generators and disseminators, are crucial in modifying and mobilising regional assets to support the biomass-bioeconomy. The findings indicate that scientists’ activities in asset modification have influenced the development of the biomass bioeconomy path in the region.