Sustainable transition in the living industry: an explorative study of the early phases of a publicly funded innovation network

Although publicly funded innovation networks (PFINs) are increasingly recognised as a policy instrument for supporting sustainable transitions, research into how they are formed remains limited. Using a focus group methodology, this study analysed the foundational conditions that underpin the establishment of a PFIN aimed at fostering sustainability transitions in the living industry. Analysis of regional stakeholders' perceived needs identified two key categories: enhancing firms' skills and capabilities, and strengthening relationships within a broader innovation ecosystem, including interactions among firms, between firms and users, and between firms and policymakers. Adopting a bottom-up perspective, this study contributes to the literature on sustainability transitions and PFINs by elucidating the early-stage needs of actors likely to engage with PFINs. From a policy and managerial standpoint, these insights suggest that incorporating stakeholders' skill development and relational needs into the initial design of PFINs could improve their ability to facilitate sustainable transition processes.