This essay examines the transition of the Dutch meat regime towards plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs). By applying the Multi-level Perspective (MLP) framework, it analyses the role of niche innovations, regime shifts, and landscape pressures in driving change. While the protein transition in the Netherlands has led to some regime reorientation such as increasing consumer acceptance and business diversification, it remains a gradual process. Barriers including cultural norms and economic constraints continue to impede full disruption. The essay concludes with recommending a policy mix to support PBMAs while further destabilising the conventional meat industry.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction of the transformation
2 Conceptual approach
3 Analysis and discussion
3.1 Transition pathway
3.2 Role of businesses
3.3 Role of public policy
4 Conclusion and recommendations
Objectives and Topics
This essay examines the ongoing protein transition in the Netherlands, specifically focusing on the shift from conventional meat production towards plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) by applying the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) framework to analyze driving forces, barriers, and policy requirements.
- Application of the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) to socio-technical transitions
- Evaluation of the historical transition pathway of PBMAs in the Dutch market
- Analysis of the strategic role and influence of incumbent food businesses
- Assessment of the impact of public policy on food system innovation
- Identification of socio-cultural and economic barriers to mainstream adoption
- Development of policy recommendations for fostering a sustainable protein transition
Excerpt from the Book
1 Introduction of the transformation
Throughout history, meat has been considered a staple of human diet, but conventional meat production now faces growing criticism. Environmental impacts include biodiversity loss, inefficient use of resources like land, water, and energy along with significant greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change (He et al., 2020; Hundscheid et al., 2022; Mylan et al., 2023). Health concerns link high processed and red meat consumption to diseases like colorectal cancer, heart conditions and type 2 diabetes, due to carcinogenic compounds and saturated fats (He et al., 2020; Hundscheid et al., 2022). Additionally, ethical concerns stem from the inhumane treatment of animals in intensive farming systems including stressful rearing, transport and slaughter (He et al., 2020).
Depicting drawbacks of animal products, meat alternatives intend to disrupt established meat markets (Bulah et al., 2023). They aim to “take the place of meat in the human diet” (Tziva et al., 2020, p. 218) mimicking the appearance, texture and taste of meat products with increasing success (He et al., 2020; Tziva et al., 2020). With less environmentally-harmful production processes and health and animal-welfare benefits compared to conventional meat products (He et al., 2020), meat alternatives can be considered a sustainable innovation. Unlike traditional, green or social innovations, sustainable innovations try to balance economic, environmental and social concerns (Silvestre & Ţîrcă, 2019).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction of the transformation: Provides an overview of the environmental, health, and ethical challenges of conventional meat production and introduces the emergence of plant-based meat alternatives as a sustainable innovation.
2 Conceptual approach: Outlines the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) framework, describing the interactions between niche-innovations, the socio-technical regime, and the socio-technical landscape.
3 Analysis and discussion: Examines the progression of the protein transition in the Netherlands, analyzing historical milestones, the specific influence of private businesses, and the role of regulatory and public sector actions.
3.1 Transition pathway: Details the chronological development of the PBMA niche from the 1990s to the present, highlighting how societal shifts and technological advancements have slowly impacted the meat regime.
3.2 Role of businesses: Explores how incumbent meat companies and retailers shifted from opposing to incorporating plant-based alternatives to manage risks and capitalize on changing consumer demands.
3.3 Role of public policy: Evaluates the influence of government funding and strategy while identifying the absence of strong regulatory measures, such as taxation, to support the transition.
4 Conclusion and recommendations: Summarizes the findings on the niche-regime interplay and proposes a coherent policy mix, including taxes and procurement standards, to accelerate the transition.
Keywords
Multi-Level Perspective, Protein Transition, Plant-based meat alternatives, Dutch meat regime, Sustainability innovation, Strategic Niche Management, Food system transformation, Path-dependency, Agri-food incumbents, Public policy, Climate change, Sustainable diet, Innovation diffusion, Socio-technical transition, Food security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The essay focuses on the transition of the Dutch meat regime towards plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) and analyzes the dynamics of this systemic change over time.
What are the central themes of the work?
Key themes include the role of niche-innovations, the stability of the incumbent meat-centered regime, the impact of sustainability trends, and the strategic behavior of market actors.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to apply the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) to understand how PBMAs have attempted to disrupt the traditional Dutch meat industry and to identify how policy can support this transformation.
Which scientific framework is utilized?
The paper utilizes the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) on socio-technical transitions, which categorizes developments into the niche, regime, and landscape levels.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the historical progression of the PBMA niche, the strategic role of food businesses in adopting these products, and the influence—or lack thereof—of public policy interventions.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
Keywords include Multi-Level Perspective, Protein Transition, PBMA, Dutch market, regime shift, and sustainable innovation.
How does business synergy influence the transition?
Established businesses and retailers often form synergies with niche-startups through acquisitions or collaborations, effectively scaling the availability of PBMAs while maintaining their core operations.
What are the main obstacles identified for PBMAs?
Identified barriers include cultural-cognitive lock-ins, consumer habits, the relatively higher price of meat alternatives compared to animal meat, and existing government subsidies for animal agriculture.
What specific policy mix does the author recommend?
The author recommends a combination of increased research investment, public procurement standards for institutions, redirection of farming subsidies, and a progressive tax on conventional meat based on environmental impact.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Katharina Dehler (Autor:in), 2024, Slowly shifting, not shattering. Examining the transformation of the Dutch meat regime through plant-based alternatives, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1574241
