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

ECONOMA CIRCULAR, SUSTENTABILIDADE E INOVAÇÃO - 2026/2027

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

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutor Orlando Petiz
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutor Orlando Petiz

Class type and School hours

Teórico-prática : 1 Horas
Orientação Tutorial : 1 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

The transition from a linear to a circular economic model, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has become a major driver of innovation in both the public and private sectors. This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental differences between linear and circular economy models, while exploring how innovation is influenced by, and contributes to, sustainable social and economic development.

Specific Aims/Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Distinguish between the linear economy model and the circular economy model.
• Understand the impact of international policies promoting the circular economy on organisations.
• Analyse energy policies and their influence on economic and social development.
• Evaluate the role of sustainable energy sources and their advantages and limitations.
• Understand the concepts of National, Regional and Sectoral Innovation Systems and their influence on firms’ innovation capacity.
• Assess different innovation strategies and their application

Skills to be acquired

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have developed the ability to:
• Think independently and critically when addressing complex problems.
• Define appropriate criteria for data collection and analysis.
• Present and defend well-reasoned arguments on complex issues.
• Listen to and evaluate opposing viewpoints while working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.

Teaching Procedures

The course adopts a multidisciplinary approach combining theoretical and practical perspectives. Students will analyse key concepts and real-world case studies on business and organisational innovation that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Particular emphasis is placed on critical discussion, oral presentations, and the evaluation of innovation strategies and processes capable of advancing the circular economy and supporting the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Programme

1. Circular Economy versus Linear Economy
• The transition towards a circular economy.
• The European reindustrialisation strategy.
• Comparative analysis: European Union and China.
2. Sustainable Development Goals and Innovation
• From Agenda 21 to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
• The European Green Deal.
3. Energy as a Driver of Development
• Energy policies and their economic implications.
• Sustainable energy sources: advantages and limitations.
4. Innovation Systems
• National Innovation Systems: Finland and Singapore.
• Regional Innovation Systems: Maryland and Sophia Antipolis.
• Sectoral Innovation Systems: telecommunications and software industries.
5. Innovation Strategies and New Business Opportunities
• New consumers, emerging technologies and business strategies.
• Opportunity identification and the development of organisational core competencies.

Evaluation Type

Student assessment consists of:
• An individual case study analysing an innovative Portuguese or international company or organisation established within the last five years. The assignment must be submitted as a written report and presented orally.
• A written final examination at the end of the semester.

Teaching Resources

Students will have access to the recommended bibliography and supporting learning materials, together with facilities for individual and group study. Classrooms are equipped with whiteboards, multimedia projectors, projection screens, and Internet access. Additional learning materials and relevant resources will be made available through the Moodle platform.

Sustainability Objectives

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13 – Climate Action

Keywords

• Circular Economy
• Sustainability
• Innovation

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography