Cursos / 2º Ciclo / Faculty of Economy and Business Management :: Management

ECONOMA CIRCULAR, SUSTENTABILIDADE E INOVAÇÃO - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 1st semester
ECTS: 7.5

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutora Isabel Cantista
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutora Isabel Cantista

Class type and School hours

Teórico-prática : 1 Horas
Orientação Tutorial : 1 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese - support in English for foreign students.

Main Aims/Objectives

The transition from a linear model to a circular model of economy, where the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations are present calls for innovation in the public as well as in the private sector. It is the aim of the course to share knowledge about the differences between one model and the other and to clarify how innovation management may promote the transition from the first to the latter.

Specific Aims/Objectives

- to identify linear and circular economic model;
- to know the fundamental role of energy in economic and social development and to know sustainable energies;
- to know each component of the circular economy and to identify new business models related to sustainability;
- to know the concepts of national, regional and sectorial systems of innovation and the role of business within these systems;
. to know strategic options for business innovation: the concept of business model and how innovation may add value.

Skills to be acquired

Independent thinking and analysis of complex economic and social contexts
Ability to define criteria to collect and analyse data;
Capacity to present and argue in an articulated and clear way complex issues;
Capacity to listen and understand opposite points of view and to develop team work.

Teaching Procedures

Teaching will have a pluridisciplinary basis. Concepts and concrete case studies of entrepreneurial success and processes of innovation that contribute to sustainable development . Students will be called to present in a critical way case studies and to reflect on strategies and processes to innovate moving forward circular economy and the pursuit of sustainable development goals defined by the UN to 2030.

Programme

1.Circular economy and linear economy. The plan of reindustrialisation of European Union.
1.1 Comparative analysis of the EU and China.
2. Sustainability and Innovation.
2.1 From Agenda 21 to the SDGs 2030. The Green Deal.
3. Energy as the basis for development..
3.1 Energetic policies. Decarbonisation and economic development.
3.2 Renewable energies: advantages and disadvantages.
4. The systems of innovation
4.1 National systems of innovation: Finland and Singapore.
4.2 Regional systems of innovation: Maryland and Sophia-Antipolis.
4.3 Sectorial systems of innovation: telecommunications and software.
5. The innovation strategies: new businesses
5.1 New consumers, new technologies and company options.
5.2 Detecting opportunities and establishing new business models..

Evaluation Type

Assessment is made by:
- writing and analysis of a case study of a Portuguese or foreign company created in the last 5 years. The selection of the case study is subject to previous approval.
- written exam at the end of the semester.

Teaching Resources

Materials available at the library and spaces/rooms to study. In the classroom data-show, Internet connection, and white board.
At Mooddle other relevant materials will be made available.

Sustainability Objectives

SDG 7 - Clean and affordable energy
SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructures
SGG 10 - Reduced inequalities
SDG 12 - Sustainable production and consumption
SDG 13 - Climate Action

Keywords

Circular Economy
Sustainability
Innovation

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography