Course description

Economics and Policies in a Biobased Economy

Are you responsible for dealing with the economics and policies governing the transition- and implementation of biobased products and resources? Join the MOOC Economics and Policies in a Biobased Economy and discover the whole value chain from Research Development, over application, processing, retailing and final demand. Learn how the value chain and the rents and their distribution along the chain are affected by policies. Examples such as the benefits and costs of developing, cultivating, and marketing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) will be discussed extensively.

Upgrade your knowledge about the recent trends in the circular economy and in sustainable business. Know how to measure adoption and environmental benefits, learn about the benefits and costs and the distribution of sustainable products, market power, approval processes, supply chain, guiding policies and the current social debate.

Upcoming start dates

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Self-Paced Online
Online
English

Suitability - Who should attend?

Prerequisites:

To optimally learn in/from and complete the complete MicroMasters Program we expect you to have a bachelor degree in social sciences (preferably business-, or economics). However, there is no formal entry level requirement for this MOOC.

Outcome / Qualification etc.

What you'll learn

Explain the economic issues and policies affecting the biobased economy at the EU and international level
Identify the important factors driving the development of the circular bioeconomy
Assess the development of the circular bioeconomy from an economic perspective
Understanding the key differences of a biofuel mandates and price links
Upgrading your knowledge about recent trends in the circular economy and in sustainable business.

Training Course Content

The Circular Bioeconomy and Policies

In this module, you will be introduced to the economic importance of the circular bioeconomy and learn how to recognize the important driving factors.

From Precautionary Approach to CBA

How can we measure these driving factors? Let's learn about cost-benefit analysis (CBA), the precautionary approach, and the irreversibility effect.

Macro Modelling

In module 3, you will learn about the key elements of an integrated assessment framework so that you can visualize the impact of a circular bioeconomy on policy aims. We will focus on macroeconomic modelling tools applied to biobased chemicals.

Biofuel's Economics and Policies

To conclude the course, we will look at the economic and policy theories in the specific case of biofuels: what are the key differences of a biofuel mandates and price links? Also, you will be asked to integrate the theory seen in this and in the previous modules by applying it to your own case about bioplastics.