B5302 - Seminar 5

Learning outcomes

The seminar aims to equip participants with a solid understanding of the bioeconomy's role in sustainable development and building entrepreneurial skills for innovating within this sector.

Course contents

The seminar focuses on entrepreneurship in the Bioeconomy, an emerging field at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and economic growth. The Bioeconomy represents a crucial tool for addressing global ecological and social challenges, such as climate change mitigation, the promotion of cleaner production processes, economic growth, and the creation of new job opportunities.

Teaching Unit 1 - Introduction to the Bioeconomy and emerging competencies

The first unit lays the foundation for understanding what the Bioeconomy is and why it plays a fundamental role in the European economic and environmental context. Defined by the European Commission as the use of renewable biological resources and their transformation into value-added products and bioenergy, the Bioeconomy is a key sector for the sustainable future of our planet.

Practical Activities:

• Discussion on the challenges and opportunities within this sector.
• Identification of new skills, including entrepreneurship, necessary to drive innovation and support the growth of a sustainable economy.

Teaching Unit 2 - Fundamentals of entrepreneurship and mindset development

This unit aims to provide the theoretical foundations of entrepreneurship, integrating the development of an entrepreneurial mindset capable of addressing challenges and opportunities in the Bioeconomy. Students will explore how to adopt an entrepreneurial approach to identify and exploit market opportunities in innovative ways.

Practical Activities:

• The psychology of entrepreneurship: What makes an entrepreneur different?
• Self-assessment tests: Questionnaires and orientation tests on entrepreneurial inclination.

Teaching Unit 3 - From Idea to feasibility plan

Focusing on the transformation of an idea into a solid business plan, this unit will help students develop feasibility plans that effectively address the needs of the Bioeconomy sector. Topics will include idea generation, goal setting, and the transition from a vision to an organizational structure.

Practical Activities:

• Strengths and weaknesses analysis of students' entrepreneurial ideas.
• Group exercises to refine and structure business ideas.

Teaching Unit 4 - Prototyping and validation of entrepreneurial ideas

This hands-on module guides students through the process of transforming their ideas into concrete prototypes, using tools such as the Business Model Canvas and rapid validation techniques. Students will learn how to test their ideas in the market, collect feedback, and refine their approach to improve their chances of success.

Practical Activities:

• Business Model Canvas Workshop: Each group develops its own business model.
• Pitch Simulation: Students present their prototype in a pitch simulation in front of peers and faculty for immediate feedback.
• Feedback loop: Discussion on strengths and areas for improvement, with practical advice on how to adapt ideas to the market.

Teaching Unit 5 - Case studies and practical applications

The fifth unit is dedicated to testimonials from students who have participated in international entrepreneurship training programs, providing real insights and motivation based on their direct experiences. These contributions will enrich the seminar with tangible examples of success and learning.

Readings/Bibliography

The teacher provides teaching material through the Virtual platform.

Teaching methods

Teaching will be structured in units involving lectures and case study presentations aimed at enhancing technical knowledge and turning it into operational tools by the students.

Assessment methods

The student who has profitably participated in at least 80% of the activities (profitable participation verified by carrying out and passing a short learning test at the end of each teaching unit) will be recognized as suitable without taking other verification tests.

The short learning test consists of three closed-ended questions on the topics covered during the lessons. To pass the test, the student must correctly answer at least two closed-ended questions.

Teaching tools

Whiteboard, video projector, computer, internet access for classroom activities.

Virtuale platform.

A mailing list for teacher-student communications, access to course students only.

Office hours

See the website of Rino Ghelfi