WageningenX: From Fossil Resources to Biomass: A Business and Economics Perspective

by Wageningen University & Research

From Fossil Resources to Biomass: A Business and Economics Perspective

Course Description

Embark on an exciting journey towards a sustainable future with our course "From Fossil Resources to Biomass: A Business and Economics Perspective." This advanced-level course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to lead the transition from a fossil-based economy to a thriving biobased economy. You'll explore innovative ways to produce food, chemicals, and energy carriers using microorganisms and catalysts, focusing on the crucial end of the supply chain - marketing and selling biobased products within profitable business models.

What students will learn from the course

The concept and importance of the biobased economy and biobased products
Assessment of sustainability issues in biobased cases
Implementation of consumer perspectives in biobased product development
Commercial, financial, and organizational aspects of running a biobased business
Complexity of logistics in biobased value chains
Economic implications of regulations on the future of the biobased economy
Improved understanding of relevant disciplines and interdisciplinary communication

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course

BSc in technology, engineering, or applied sciences
BSc level knowledge in chemistry, mathematics, and process engineering

What the course will cover

Introduction to biobased sciences
Achieving sustainability
Consumer behavior
Business strategies in the biobased economy
Logistics and supply chains
Economics and regulations in the biobased sector

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for professionals and aspiring leaders in industries such as:

(Bio)chemical industry
Agrifood water companies
Energy producers
Logistics
Related (non-)governmental organizations

It's also perfect for those looking to advance their careers and gain cutting-edge academic knowledge in creating a more sustainable biobased future.

How learners can use these skills in the real world

The skills acquired in this course will enable learners to:

Develop and market sustainable biobased products
Assess and improve the sustainability of existing processes
Create effective consumer-oriented strategies for biobased products
Design and optimize biobased supply chains
Navigate regulatory landscapes in the biobased economy
Contribute to the transition from fossil-based to biobased industries
Communicate effectively across disciplines in the biobased sector

Syllabus

1. Achieving Sustainability

True meaning of sustainability
Link between sustainability issues and human activities
Analysis of sustainability factors in biobased products

2. Consumer Behaviour

Challenges in moving towards a biobased economy
Consumer product evaluation
Influence of communication strategies on consumer perception
Implementing consumer perspectives in product development

3. Business

Transforming biobased products into winning business cases
Commercial, financial, and organizational aspects
Stakeholder management
Innovation activities for sector transformation

4. Logistics

Biobased supply chain understanding
Network design and geographical allocation of processing steps
Key questions: where to produce, how to transport, where to process

5. Macro-economics and Regulation

Economic basis for government regulations
Implications for the biobased economy
Private sector responses
Economic foundations for regulatory policies from different perspectives

This course is part of the MicroMasters Program in Chemistry and Technology for Sustainability, offering a comprehensive education in the biobased economy and its practical applications.

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