Sugarcane Bagasse as a Sustainable Resource in the Circular Bioeconomy: Triple Helix Collaboration and AI-Driven Strategies for Valorization

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse is the fibrous by-product of the sugarmills and is an abundant source of lignocellulosic biomass which could be utilized in producing biofuels, bioplastics, paper products and other value added products. In some areas however, such as Sindh in Pakistan where cane production is very high, a number of limitations such as seasonal bagasse production, inadequate supply chain infrastructure, and a lack of inter‐sectoral coordination are contributing to poor bagasse use. Despite the high potential of its use in circular bioeconomy applications, a significant part of the bagasse is still burned or poorly used, as indicated in recent studies. This study combines two research fields: bagasse valorization and the Triple Helix Model (THM) of the collaboration between university, industry, and the government, and examines the role of AI in enhancing the waste management process. This was an explanatory type of mixed methods study. Quantitatively, we have created an instruments for surveying Policy Effectiveness (PE), Stakeholder Engagement (SHE), Innovation Adoption (IN) and projected Valorisation Outcomes (VO) of the 100 stakeholders in the sugar sector. The results of the inferential analysis (correlation and regression) in SPSS indicated that there was a positive significant relationship and among the correlation analysis, the highest correlation was between PE with VO (r≈0.51). Qualitatively, 8 semi-structured interviews with key academics, mill managers and policy officials (purposively sampled) were conducted and coded thematically with NVivo software. Both analyses identified critical barriers and enablers, including inadequate funding, regulatory gaps, technology gaps, and intersectoral knowledge transfer, integrated pilot projects, and AI tools for supply forecasting. As a result of our findings, we have identified that the synergies of strengthening PE, SHE and IN through a coordinated THM platform have better valorisation outcomes. A conceptual framework that involves the co‐design of AI‐based decision-support systems by academic institutions, mills, and government agencies is proposed, along with piloting of new conversion technologies and iterative, collaborative policy development. This integrated model, in line with SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), can help to speed up the transition of sugar industries towards the circular bioeconom. We believe it's crucial to set up a specialized bagasse valorization Triple Helix consortium with Universities spearheading R&D and AI solutions, mills offering data and test facilities, and the Government investing in pilot projects and aligning regulations.