Bioeconomy Development

The aim of the study subject is to help students acquire the modern knowledge on bioeconomy and its development in terms of sustainable development, the potential of bio-resource production and its economic, social and ecological constraints, the application of circular economy principles in bioeconomy, biomass supply chains, bioeconomy related policies; to develop the skills needed to critically evaluate the development of bioeconomy in terms of sustainability, to draw valid conclusions and to creatively solve economic or managerial problems related to bioeconomy development. Study methods: explanation and illustration, analysis of problem questions, questions and answers, preparation and presentation teamwork, discussions and debates

The aim of the course is to help students acquire the modern knowledge on bioeconomy and to develop skills to critically evaluate the performance, impact and development of bioeconomy in terms of sustainability as well as to creatively solve economic or managerial problems related to bioeconomy development.

Basic of economics

1. Introduction: drivers and importance of bioeconomy for sustainable development. 2. Bioeconomy structure and sectors 3. Biological resources / biomass potential and bio-waste sources 4. Biomass supply chains and biomass value chains 5. Application of circular economy principles in bioeconomy 6. Bioeconomy policy 7. Assessment of the bioeconomy and its sectors in terms of sustainability

1. The main global, regional (EU), national and/or local drivers of bioeconomy development are listed, the significance of bioeconomy in terms of sustainable development as well as the concept of sustainable development and its principles are explained. 2. Bioeconomy is defined, its main features listed; the bioeconomy sectors are described, and their distinctive features pointed out. 3. Bio-resources and bio-waste are defined by groups; the potential of bio-resources (biomass) and its types are described, the main economic, environmental, social and political constraints of its development are listed; externalities of production of bio-resources are described and classified. 4. The short and the long biomass supply chains and their main segments are described; the biomass value chain is explained and differences between the two chains are revealed. 5. Circular bioeconomy is explained; the cascading principles are explained and examples of their application in bioeconomy are provided; the benefits of cascading use of biomass and bio-waste due to increase in value added and reduction or avoidance of negative externalities are explained. 6. Bioeconomy policy objectives are listed and explained, their relation to objectives of the European Green Deal are revealed; the current strategic objectives and actions leading the way towards a sustainable, circular bioeconomy are explained. 7. Indicators suitable for assessing the performance and impact of bioeconomy in terms of sustainability are listed and explained; statistical data is gathered, its analysis is performed and the results are critically evaluated; economic, ecological and social problems in bioeconomy development are identified, creative solutions to the problems are found and arguments for debates are prepared.