The sector of bioeconomy, it´s current place in the economy and the future potential.  Connected to sustainability, circular economy, innovation, value creation and business development.

Cases from bioeconomy value chains: Forest, biorefining, aquaculture, and farming.

Theoretical research perspectives in the field of bioeconomy and business administration.  Weight is given to the cross functional nature of value creation in the field of bioeconomy.

Political and social challenges: Governance, market incentives, and governmental regulations. Focus on trade-offs related to negative externalities caused by bioeconomic activities.

Knowledge:

The student:

• Understands the concept of bioeconomy and the various perspectives included in this term.
• Understands 21st. century challenges and the role of the field of bioeconomy in adressing these challenges.
• Has knowledge of the current role of bioeconomy in the economy and the potential of the sector.
• Understand forest, soil and water as ecosystems and generators of biomass.
• Has knowledge of different production processes in bio-based industry, with an emphasis on industrial biotechnology.
• Understands how cross-functionality can be a catalyst for innovation in biologically based industries.
• Has understanding of the international markets for biologically based products and how this market is influenced by governmental regulations.
• Understands how sustainable strategies aids the transition to a more bio-based economy.

Skills

The student:

• Has ability to analyze, plan and implement cross-functional innovation and  development processes in bio-based production environments.
• Understands how organizations, groups and teams function, and can coordinate and lead cross-functional project work.
• Has ability to communicate and cooperate cross functionally in the various structures in the bioeconomy.

General competence:

The student:

• Can analyze sustainable value creation in the bioeconomy.
• Has the ability to analyze theoretical, methodical and political issues  and trade-offs both individually and in teams.
• Can identify the need for competence and create project teams for handeling cross-functional challenges.

NMBU Bioeconomy report, reports from Innovation Norway, the bioeconomy strategy of the government of Norway.

BioeconomyShaping the Transition to a Sustainable, Bio-based Economy. Lewandovski, Iris.

Publications, videos, podcasts etc. to be distributed throughout the course.