B1836 - Economics and Policy of Biotechnology in Agriculture

Learning outcomes

The student knows theoretical and practical aspects of economic valorisation of biotech technologies, woith reference to markets, innovation systems and economic evaluation.

See italian version for details

Course contents

PREREQUISITES

Very basic mathematics, algebra derivation and study of function.

Can be acquired from any basic textbook.

 

COURSE CONTENTS

1. Introductory concepts  (2 hours)

1.1. Introduction to the course

1.2. The insititutions of mixed economic systems

 

2.Economics (12 hours)

2.1.Markets

2.2. Production economics

2.2.1. Production function

2.2.2 Cost function

2.3. Economics of innovation

 

3. Policy  (12 hours)

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Agricultural policies

3.3 Innovation policies

 

4. Economic organization of agri-food systems (8 hours)

4.1 Organisation of the firm

4.2 Innovation systems

 

5. Economic analysis methods to support decision-making (12 hours)

5.1 Gross margin

5.2 Investment analysis

5.3 Sources of information

 

6. Economic evaluation of biotech innovations (14 hours)

Case studies, current literature, exercises carried out with students

Readings/Bibliography

Material provided by the teacher

Menozzi D. (2023). Economia del sistema agroalimentare, EDISES

Teaching methods

Lectures

Classes with elaborations in excel

Discussion of cases and participative methods (brainstorming, world caffé)

Groupwork on case studies

Assessment methods

Final oral exam, including three questions:

• one about section 2
• one about section 3
• one about sections 4-6
  

The questions have the same weight (1/3).

Criteria for evaluation will be: knowledge of the topics of the program, ability to apply the notions addresses in the course, ability of critical analysis, abolity to link the topics in a logic way, use of correct language and adequate technical terminology. 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Textbook

Handout provided by the tacher

Slide and didactic materials

Office hours

See the website of Davide Viaggi