TOWARDS A BIO-BASED ECONOMY: science, innovation, economics, education

Bio-based economy (Bioeconomy) aims at reducing the dependence from fossil fuels and finite materials without overexploiting natural resources. According to the definition of the European Commission “Bioeconomy encompasses those parts of economy that use renewable biological resources from land and sea to produce food, biomaterials, bioenergy and bioproducts”. Behind bioeconomy there is much science related to industrial biotechnology and a deep change in Economics and Politics, as well as societal issues.

A new cross-sector expertise is therefore required. This summer school aims at providing a broad overview of the mentioned issues and will be held by national and international speakers, both from academia and from industry. At least one visit to a company involved in the production of bio-based compounds will be included in the school’s schedule. Because of its inter-disciplinarity, the program welcomes participants with different backgrounds. Participants should be aware that a basic knowledge about the scientific basis of biotechnology is required and can ask organizers for advice.

Networking and discussion among students and lecturers will be encouraged and fostered throughout the duration of the school, with social event and a poster session.