@misc{9247226,
  abstract     = {{Sheep wool is a renewable biological material with diverse potential applications. Despite its
continuous availability and growing interest in circular bioeconomy approaches, it is
increasingly regarded as a low-value by-product or waste in most European countries. This
thesis aims to identify the systemic conditions that shape the valorisation of sheep wool in
Slovakia and to assess how the current wool system could be strengthened to form a more
functional value chain. To achieve this, the Slovak wool sector is analysed through the
combined lenses of the Technological Innovation Systems framework and a value chain
perspective.

The Slovak wool value chain is structurally incomplete. Although relevant actors are present,
they remain weakly connected, limiting coordination across the system. The greatest value loss
occurs in the “missing middle” between farms and processors, where the absence of an
organised collection system results in most wool being either exported as a low-value raw
material or discarded as waste. In addition, the system's overall performance is weak.
Entrepreneurial activity emerges as the strongest and most promising system function, driven
by motivated actors experimenting with new wool applications. In contrast, the weakest
function is the guidance of search, reflecting the absence of a clear strategic direction and
institutional support. The Slovak wool valorisation therefore requires a simple but sufficient
system to enable transactions. A nationally recognised coordinating body is proposed to
connect actors, aggregate supply, introduce wool classification, create fair price signals, thereby
building a system capable of turning wool’s potential into organised value.}},
  author       = {{Hladká, Michaela}},
  issn         = {{1401-9191}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{IIIEE Master Thesis}},
  title        = {{Rebuilding the Wool Value Chain: Barriers and Enablers to Sheep Wool Valorisation in Slovakia}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}