Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy

About this programme

Knowledge equivalent of 180 credits, of which 90 credits in business administration. English 6. The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest. Knowledge equivalent of 180 credits, of which 90 credits in business administration. English 6. The course aims at bringing students the analytical tools and skills needed to understand the functions of value chains and networks in the agri-food industry, and their importance in the overall bioeconomy. By combining new institutional economics, such as transaction cost theory, contract theory and agency theory with strategic decision making theories, students will reach advanced understanding and acquire skills for evaluating value chains and networks. Different types of organizations and agri-food systems are examined: local-, short-, long-, and global- value chains, multinational agri-food hierarchies, cooperatives and producers’ organizations and within different types of institutional contexts. The course is based on a set of lectures, both from the instructor and guest lecturers, readings from international classic and recent literature, and case studies of Swedish and international agri-food value chains and networks. The course uses empirical examples from the agri-food industry and bioeconomy, in Sweden, Europe, and in developing countries. Several theoretical perspectives and analytical tools are employed: industrial economics, organization theory, transaction cost economics, agency theory, new institutional eco