Based on two in-depth case studies of mountain-bike trails in rural areas of Switzerland, the article analyses the role SI plays in increasing the benefits of forest-based recreation for providers and users. Our findings suggest that in the forestry sector, SI plays a vital role in meeting social needs (e.g. enhancing forest-based recreation). Additionally, the findings indicate that without SI, the trails would not exist, increasing financial pressure on the region (e.g. high costs for managing recreational forests and for the provisioning of forest-based recreational infrastructure).
Reference: Wilkes-Allemann, J; Ludvig, A. (2019). The role of social innovation in negotiations about recreational infrastructure in forests - A mountain-bike case study in Switzerland. FOREST POLICY ECON. 100: 227-235.