Aboriginal Business Leaders’ Perceptions of Bioenergy Innovation

This research examines the views of Aboriginal business leaders from forestry and energy firms regarding biomass energy innovation and analyzes how current perceptions influence framing of biomass industry and policy opportunities. The application of frame analysis enables new understanding of perceptions of the biomass energy sector, including preferences and expectations surrounding biomass energy innovation and growth. Accordingly, this research analyzes Aboriginal business leaders’ beliefs and attitudes used to identify perceived problems and solutions for developing biomass energy. Our approach enables points of agreement and disagreement among leaders to be compared. Twenty-three interviews with specialized informants were undertaken with forestry and energy representatives identified through the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business natural resource industries directory. Comparisons among sectors and firms offer new understanding whether and how biomass energy is perceived by different groups, and what ameliorative measures might hold the most promise with respect to improving current understanding of biomass energy potential. Main outcomes include the advancement of knowledge concerning the nature of similarities and differences in beliefs and attitudes about biomass energy, and the production of strategies to promote renewable biomass energy awareness and opportunities.