Cultivating a bioeconomy: Risks, collaboration, and partnerships in agricultural innovation.

Threats associated with a changing climate elevate our collective need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Airlines are committed to reduce emissions by transitioning to sustainable aviation fuel. To build a thriving domestic bioeconomy, United States (US) federal agencies are promoting public–private partnerships (PPPs) to link public universities with industries to support local feedstock development and commercialization. Using an Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) framework, we explore a PPP in the Southeast US that aims to support the production of a regional biofuel feedstock, Brassica carinata. Utilizing a two-phased qualitative methodology, we analyse the kinds of risk posed to public and private actors in the partnership. The study highlights the reputational, commercial, and mission-related risks posed to actors engaged in innovation systems. In doing so, we offer a discussion of risks and their implications for PPPs, AIS, and future food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]