Linking knowledge with action: Applied social science considerations to improve woody bioenergy research and development effectiveness

As discussed in earlier chapters, the forest and agricultural lands in the Northeast are poised to have a significant role in meeting societal demands for energy independence and renewable energy. Woody biomass, harvested and processed sustainably, can be converted into a diverse set of energy and bioproducts. In particular, woody bioenergy holds promise as a way of augmenting or replacing petroleum-or coal-based energy sources. However, additional research is needed to encourage widespread establishment of the woody bioenergy in this region. Research can reduce barriers across the entire supply chain, from plant genetics and production, to harvesting and logistics, to processing and marketing. However, there is a long recognized gap between knowledge creation through science, and action through application of that research into practice. In order to match research supply provided by researchers with research demand by stakeholders in industry, government, and communities, new models of linking researchers and bioenergy stakeholders are currently being tested. This chapter summarizes the findings of a social considerations study conducted with stakeholders who were invited to participate in the development of a multi-state sustainable bioenergy research proposal. The study was designed to gather information from stakeholders through an online survey and three stakeholder workshops. This information was used in developing a follow-on study, currently underway, to demonstrate stakeholder involvement and improve the quality of stakeholder interactions.