Study Guide

Objective

You understand the concepts of sustainability and bioeconomy, resource wisdom in the context of regional development and innovation development.

You understand the importance of innovation development and entrepreneurship in regional development. You will become aware of the criteria for sustainable business models and how companies can measure and verify the sustainability of their business models. You will be able to find further information of trends in business models and apply basic tools for business model innovation.

You are able to find, understand and apply strategic development documents at regional level and also able to elaborate project ideas and make project plans. You are able to involve relevant stakeholders into regional development processes. You are able to communicate effectively in diverse teams.

Content

1. Concepts of sustainable development and sustainability in innovation development
2. Ecosystem approach in innovation development
3. Entrepreneurship and sustainable business models
4. Innovation methods and tools for business model innovation
5. Experimentation: idea and implementation

Main task on the course is to make a plan for a development project.

- Making a project plan for solving / diminishing economical, ecological and/ or social problems of a country, area, region or municipality in effective and sustainable ways.

Active operators, possible cooperation partners e.g. NGO:s. Private and public finance for the project (EU funding instruments etc.) SWOT analysis. Preliminary cost assessment. Targets and goals of the project both in the short term and long term. Benchmarking against similar projects in other areas.