Theory of industrial ecology: the case of the concept of diversity
by Jouni Korhonen
Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal (PIE), Vol. 2, No. 1, 2005

Abstract: The Theory of Industrial Ecology (Korhonen, 2004a) classified the properties and characteristics of industrial ecosystems: the physical flows of matter and energy; the structural and organisational properties. I focus on the theory of the concept of diversity, an important concept in ecology, biology and sustainable development research. Can the concept of diversity be valuable and useful for developing industrial ecosystems; if yes, how, and if not, why not? A case study from energy and forest industry is analysed against diversity and other key industrial ecology principles. Furthermore, six arguments from the literature arguing for the value of the concept of diversity are evaluated. The article contributes by identifying and analysing the many different dimensions that the concept of diversity has. The definition, understanding and perception of the concept strongly affect its value. This suggests that the dominant engineering and natural science aspects of industrial ecology need to be bridged to business, management, organisational and policy studies, to social sciences and cultural studies.

Online publication date: Thu, 14-Apr-2005

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal (PIE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com