ABSTRACT
Biotechnology can provide high value-added non-timber forest products (NTFPs). This chapter elaborates an innovative NTFP industry transition pathway to a forest-based bioeconomy using biotechnology and the case of wild-simulated ginseng as a medicinal herb in the Republic of Korea. It presents the status quo of the wild-simulated ginseng industry and proposes a structured approach for upgrading this industry for integration into the forest-based bioeconomy. Content analysis of policy documents and key stakeholder interviews were conducted. A SWOT analysis was applied to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the wild-simulated ginseng industry. Based on the SWOT analysis, relevant upgrading activities were developed focusing on four innovation categories: institutions, value chains, governance, and research & technology. We propose a three-phased activity-based pathway to revitalise the wild-simulated ginseng industry and transit to a forest-based bioeconomy. In Phase I, the stable system of wild-simulated ginseng production should be developed. During Phase II, the wild-simulated ginseng industry’s value chain system and export conditions should be improved. In Phase III, a wild-simulated ginseng biotechnology-based industry should be developed. This comprehensive strategy relies on specialisation, technological innovation, and transparent governance to transit to a forest-based bioeconomy.
