Economics and Policies for a Circular Bio-Economy

What you will learn

• Take a systems approach and consider different actors, feedback cycles and pressures in a dynamic value chain
• Understand the economic issues and policies affecting the circular bioeconomy at the firm, on a national and international level
• Assess the costs, benefits and market impacts of new biobased technologies
• Evaluate the adoption and environmental benefits of biobased policies
• This programme is intended for those currently working in biobased industries, industries that are transitioning to the circular biobased economy, or related non-profit and governmental institutions
• Careers in industries such as: (bio)chemical industry, agri-food water companies, energy producers, logistics, and related governmental and non-governmental organizations
• Exciting career opportunities for traditionally and newly trained: (Bio)chemical engineers, process engineers, supply chain managers, product managers, entrepreneurs, consultants and business developers in a biobased business
• Research scientist, Microbiologist, Bioprocess specialist
• EU employment in the biobased sector accounts for 13.8 million jobs
• The US biobased products Industry Contributes $369 Billion and 4 Million Jobs to American economy

Program Overview

Policies stressing circularity in our economy is becoming ever more important. Understanding the economic implications is critical for assessing the policies. The market structure and performance of the value chain, in combination with technical change, influence- and are influenced by circular bioeconomic policies. A company that wants to succeed in the circular bioeconomy must be prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

This MicroMasters programme will help you understand the basic economics of a circular biobased economy. You will learn to carry out economic assessments of the benefits and costs of new biobased technologies, in a dynamic value chain, where feedback occurs between different actors such as between retailers and food processors. At the end of the MicroMasters programme, in the last course, you will perform a capstone project in which you apply the knowledge from all courses to your own business case. This will give you the opportunity to receive feedback from experts in the field of circular bioeconomy economics and policies.

Completion of this MicroMasters programme in Business and Economics for a Circular BioEconomy will provide you with knowledge and tools to analyse the economics and policy sides of converting biological resources into biobased products. Upon earning the programme certificate, you will be able to contribute substantially to managerial decision-making, as well as policy development.