This interdisciplinary PhD research topic aims to explore the complex relationship between biological innovation and effective sustainable commercialisation strategies by integrating perspectives from the biological sciences and business management and entrepreneurial theory.
Biobased products, encompassing a wide range of innovations such as biopharmaceuticals, agricultural biotechnology and biomaterials, have great potential to address global challenges, but the sustainable commercialisation of biobased products poses a variety of challenges, arising from the complex nature of biological systems, sophisticated regulatory frameworks, a dynamic market environment, and the sustainability (economic, social and environmental) aspects. These challenges are compounded by shortcomings in entrepreneurial knowledge, skills and the practical application of a combination of strategic tools and theories in this field.
This topic aims to address this gap through a multidimensional approach combining theoretical frameworks from biology, business management, entrepreneurship, business strategies and innovation management. Based on concepts such as technology transfer, open innovation, sustainable commercialisation, ecosystem analysis and value chain analysis, the aim is to identify and analyse the choice of appropriate strategic tools for successful/sustainable commercialisation of biological products.
Particular attention should be paid to sustainability criteria (at the commercialisation stage), including environmental impact assessment, ethical considerations, economic, social and environmental responsibility.
This theme aims to respond to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
• SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production)