The digitalisation of the Nordic bioeconomy and its effect on gender equality

Abstract

With digitalisation, the male-dominated bioeconomy sector becomes intertwined with the male-dominated tech sector. We focus on the effects on gender equality within the bioeconomy sector when these two gender unequal sectors are merged. We review the existing literature by studying three concepts - bioeconomy, digitalisation and gender - as a way to highlight the current state of knowledge on gender in the Nordic digitalised bioeconomy. Through this investigation we provide directions for future research and suggest actions to be taken. The contemporary literature discusses two major areas of focus: the impact of history on today's situation and gender inequality as a women's issue. We propose four areas of future research focus: moving beyond a historical perspective, understanding the effectiveness of women-only activities, focusing on men's role in gender equality work, and developing sustainability. We identify four points of action for practitioners in the literature: female role models, mentorship programmes, networks for young professionals and students and incorporating gender into bioeconomy-related education. However, together with the proposed future research, we suggest two considerations when practitioners in the Nordic digitalised bioeconomy take action: being mindful of the purpose and structure of women-only activities and including men when working with gender issues.

Keywords

Bioeconomy; digitalisation; gender; literature review; Nordic countries

Published in

Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research
2021, volume: 36, number: 7-8, pages: 639-654

SLU Authors

• Roos, Annie

  • Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Blomquist, Mimmi

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Ekegren, Katarina

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Rönnberg, Jonas

  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Global goals (SDG)

SDG5 Gender equality
SDG12 Responsible consumption and production

UKÄ Subject classification

Economics
Gender Studies

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02827581.2021.1996629

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/114212