Aiming at low carbon pathways, the EU has embarked on a bioeconomy strategy to replace fossil building blocks in the economy by renewable resources based on biomass. In doing so, the bioeconomy expands its role from merely food supplier towards an integrated supplier of a wide range of bio-based products in the economy. Potentially, bioeconomy can provide important pathways towards sustainable development. This course helps students to explore and assess bioeconomy pathways in the context of the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN SDGs towards 2030. Lecture units will cover the following topics:

- Definitions and functions of bioeconomy in the context of sustainable development

- Understanding bioeconomy as a coupled social-ecological system (systems thinking)

- Bioeconomy in the EU, national and regional economy

- Measuring and monitoring a bioeconomy transition

- Assessment of a bioeconomy transition in society

- Bioeconomy at the regional level in the context of the UN SDGs (group work presentations)

After completing this course, students should have learned (at least!) the following:

• Knowing the differences between a bioeconomy and a fossil economy;
• Understanding the bioeconomy as a coupled socio-ecological system;
• Knowing the different dimensions of the bioeconomy (economic, social, environmental) and understanding the potential and limitations of bioeconomy pathways in the context of sustainable development;
• Knowing about methods to monitor and assess resource use and environmental impact related to a bioeconomy transition;
• Applying a systemic approach to bioeconomy strategy development.

Furthermore, the course aims to contribute to the student's capabilities to:

• Recognise the different 'framings' in the sustainability discourse regarding the bioeconomy and to be able to take account of those in discussions;
• Distinguish theoretical concepts in ecological economics and classical economics;
• Give and receive critical and constructive feedback in group discussions;
• Reflect on his/her own contribution and performance (self-reflection).

Examination-immanent courses (PI) have compulsory attendance.
In case of absence the lecturer is to be informed in advance if possible.
More detailed regulations on absenteeism will be explained in the first unit.

• Input lectures by the course leader
• Paper discussions (which should be read in advance)
• Group work/ group presentations

• Presentation of a selected publication (25%)
• Exam (30%)
• Group work: Preparation and presentation of a bioeconomy strategy in the regional context (30%)
• Active participation in discussions (15%)

Course enrollment is on the basis of "first-come, first-served” principle. If you have registered but cannot participate in the course, please de-register via LPIS during the registration period so that your course is available to students on the waiting list.

If there is a waiting list for enrollment in the course, students at the waiting list will be notified after the end of the enrollment period, and will be allocated to available places. Students will be ranked by their study progress not by their rank on the waiting list.

This procedure, however, is not to be understood as a place guarantee!