Valorization is the process of creating or increasing the value of something, whether it’s turning scientific knowledge into useful products (knowledge valorization), transforming waste into energy or new materials (waste valorization), or establishing the importance of something through argument or policy. It involves making something more useful, economically viable, or socially impactful, moving it beyond its original form or academic context into practical application, like patents from research or biogas from sewage.
Key Aspects of Valorization @kenyacoffeeschool @baristamtaani
- Knowledge Valorization (Research/Academia): Making research findings applicable for economic (patents, spin-offs) or social benefit (policy, guidelines).
- Waste Valorization (Circular Economy): Converting waste (biomass, sewage, industrial byproducts) into valuable resources, fuels (biogas), or chemicals.
- Social Role Valorization (Social Work): Enhancing the social standing and opportunities for vulnerable individuals by promoting their valued roles in society.
- Economic Valorization: Increasing the price or market value of goods, commodities, or currencies, often through branding or government action.
- Cultural Valorization: Recognizing and promoting cultural narratives, heritage, or ideas to give them greater significance.
Examples in Practice
- A university turning a new chemical compound into a patented drug.
- Using food waste to generate biogas for energy.
- Developing digital archives to preserve and share indigenous stories.
- Establishing job training programs to create valued roles for disadvantaged adults.
In essence, valorization is about unlocking potential and transforming inputs (knowledge, waste, social groups) into outputs with higher utility, profit, or importance.