Executive Master in Circular Economy for Food

Course type: Master’s degree

Duration: 150 hours (75 in-person at Pollenzo; 75 online, recorded or streamed)

Language: Italian

Brought to you by: Pollenzo University of Gastronomic Sciences

Media Partner:

• Renewable Matter / Renewable Matter
• Italy Circular
• Slow Food Publisher

In collaboration:

• Rina
• Man and Environment Sustainable Project
• other UNISG network partners

Course Description.

The Executive Master’s Program in Circular Economy for Food is an educational and innovative course dedicated to thecircular economy in food, which distances itself from the patterns of a linear economy heedless of planetary limits.

It is aimed at aspiring sustainability managers within the food system, with the goal of promoting circular economy and sustainability strategies, toward an eco-responsible future and positive impact, according to ethical and environmental principles.

Summary of topics covered and tools offered

The course is structured in a series of face-to-face lectures, workshops, meetings with companies, agencies, institutions, and recorded lectures, to be taken when you prefer. In addition to techniques, tools and methodologies, useful for designing systemic practices, individual coaching and support sessions are arranged, for the development and monitoring of business ideas, within a network of professionals, academics and companies, nationally and internationally.

The program topics revolve around three main and interconnected themes, Biosphere, Society and Economy. To give some examples, notions of agroecology, biodiversity, ecosystem services, circular cooking, One Health approach, bioenergy and Eco-Packaging, social justice and food law will be addressed, as well as the definition of new business models, Project Management and Corporate Identity.

Professional opportunities and skills acquired

With the Master’s program, transdisciplinary and advanced skills will be acquired, following a scientific, technical, and practical approach, in line with the 17 SDGs for Agenda 2030. The topics covered will be preparatory for obtaining important certifications for professionals committed to the ecological transition for the food sector, with specialized advisory and leadership roles.

Specifically, we refer to the roles of Sustainability Manager, Sustainability Practitioner and Innovation Manager. Upon completion of the master’s degree, the student will obtain theCircular Economy for Food Manager certificate and be ready for a job market that places sustainability, systems thinking and circular economy at the center of business activities.

This will consolidate the skills needed to design, evaluate and communicate concrete solutions in response to today’s and emerging challenges, anticipating developments in the field, regulations and management of environmental, cultural and economic capital.