Unit ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
- Course
- Agricultural and environmental biotechnology
- Study-unit Code
- A005367
- Curriculum
- In all curricula
- Teacher
- Biancamaria Torquati
- Teachers
-
- Biancamaria Torquati
- Hours
- 45 ore - Biancamaria Torquati
- CFU
- 5
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2025
- Offered
- 2026/27
- Learning activities
- Caratterizzante
- Area
- Discipline giuridiche, gestionali ed etiche
- Sector
- AGR/01
- Type of study-unit
- Obbligatorio (Required)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- Only in English
- Contents
- The course explores the economic, managerial, and policy dimensions of biotechnology within the broader framework of the bioeconomy transition. It provides an integrated understanding of how scientific knowledge generated in biotechnology is translated into economic value, innovation processes, and market applications.
The course focuses on four key dimensions:
the role of biotechnology in the development of sustainable bio-based systems;
the functioning of bio-based markets and the emergence of bio-business models;
the protection and valorisation of innovation through intellectual property rights;
the design and management of European research and innovation projects.
A strong emphasis is placed on the interface between science, market, and policy, highlighting how biotechnological innovations are embedded in regulatory, institutional, and socio-economic contexts. - Reference texts
- Lewandowski, I. (2018). Bioeconomy: Shaping the transition to a sustainable, biobased economy. Springer.
Viaggi, D. (2018). The bioeconomy: delivering sustainable green growth. CABI.
Additional materials (scientific articles, policy documents, case studies) will be provided by the instructor. - Educational objectives
- At the end of the course, students will be able to:
interpret the role of biotechnology within the bioeconomy and sustainability transitions;
analyse bio-based value chains, markets, and business models in a global context;
evaluate the economic and institutional conditions enabling innovation in biotechnology sectors;
understand and apply the basic principles of intellectual property rights in relation to technological innovation;
design a research and innovation project in a European context, integrating scientific, economic, and managerial components;
translate scientific knowledge into potential business opportunities or policy-relevant solutions. - Prerequisites
- No formal prerequisites are required.
Basic knowledge of economics and life sciences is recommended. - Teaching methods
- The course adopts an interactive and student-centred approach, combining:
self-directed learning, to stimulate autonomous and intrinsically motivated learning processes;
collaborative learning, through group activities and peer interaction;
problem-based learning, focused on real-world challenges in the bioeconomy and biotechnology sectors;
seminars and interactions with external stakeholders;
project-based activities oriented to the development of innovation and research proposals. - Other information
- The course includes applied activities aimed at bridging scientific knowledge and real-world applications, with a particular focus on innovation processes, entrepreneurship, and EU funding opportunities.
- Learning verification modality
- Assessment is designed in alignment with the learning outcomes and includes:
written tests (open-ended and multiple-choice questions) for Units 1–3, aimed at evaluating conceptual understanding and analytical skills;
evaluation of a project work (Unit 4), focused on the design of a research or innovation project in the field of biotechnology.
Assessment criteria include:
conceptual clarity and analytical capacity;
ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts;
quality and feasibility of project design;
communication and presentation skills. - Extended program
- The course is structured into four units:
Unit 1 – Bioeconomy and biotechnology (12 hours)
The European model of agriculture and sustainability transition
EU policy agenda for sustainability and bioeconomy
Bioeconomy concepts and frameworks
Role of biotechnology in bio-based systems
Bio-based resources and value chains
Governance of the bioeconomy
Unit 2 – Markets, management and entrepreneurship (12 hours)
Global markets for bio-based products and resources
Interaction with agricultural and food markets
Bioeconomy-driven business opportunities
Entrepreneurship in biotechnology sectors
Development of bio-based business models
Unit 3 – Intellectual property and innovation systems (9 hours)
Fundamentals of technological innovation
Intellectual property rights (IPR) and patents
EU regulatory framework for IP
Patent data as indicators of innovation
Role of IP in bioeconomy innovation systems
Unit 4 – Project design and EU funding (12 hours)
Principles of EU project management
Structure of European research and innovation programmes
Project cycle management:
goal and scope definition
partnership building
project planning and implementation
monitoring and evaluation
Translation of scientific research into innovation projects - Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
- The course contributes to the following SDGs by addressing the role of biotechnology in sustainable and inclusive bio-based systems:
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, through innovation in sustainable agricultural systems;
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting bio-based resource efficiency and circularity;
SDG 13 – Climate Action, through the development of low-impact bio-based solutions;
SDG 15 – Life on Land, by supporting sustainable management of biological resources and ecosystems.