Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in Innovation Development in Agri-Food Systems

The Master's program in Innovation Development in Agri-Food Systems, also known as IDEAS, is designed to produce professionals who can optimize planning, management, and economic-environmental efficiency of production processes in the agri-food sector. The program aims to make the use of primary resources more efficient, reduce environmental impacts, and valorize production wastes and by-products with a view to a circular economy leading to sustainable and economically advantageous food production and processing.

Program Description

The IDEAS program is a Master of Science degree (second cycle degree) - Class: LM-69 Agriculture. It is an international master's course with a focus on innovation development in agri-food systems. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become Agri-Food Innovation Brokers, who can act as interfaces between the agri-food sector and the world of research and development.

Program Objectives

The program objectives are to:

• Provide students with a deep understanding of innovative techniques for reducing input and impact in agri-food systems
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and valorize biomass, reduce waste, and promote sustainable agriculture
• Develop students' ability to apply knowledge and understanding of bioeconomy, circular economy, and business creation
• Enable students to work in multidisciplinary groups and develop judgment skills both on a technical and economic level and on a human and ethical level

Requisiti di Accesso (Admission Requirements)

Admission to the IDEAS Master's Course requires a first-cycle degree, and for foreign students, the degree or qualification taken abroad must be recognized as equivalent by the Giunta of the Study Course Council. Applicants should have acquired at least 24 CFU/ECTS among specific academic disciplines. The applicant lacking in fundamental skills and knowledge can acquire them by applying to specific courses offered by the University of Bari.

Obiettivi Formativi (Learning Objectives)

The expected learning outcomes are achieved through attendance of theoretical classes integrated with seminar activities, practical classes in the laboratory and/or agri-food companies, discussion of case studies, use of the problem-solving approach, corroborated by individual study and possible tutoring activity. The program covers three main learning areas:

1. Innovative techniques for reducing input and impact in agri-food systems
2. Innovative techniques for waste reduction and reutilization/valorization of biomasses
3. Educational activities for valorization of enterprise and soft skills

Learning Area 1: Innovative Techniques for Reducing Input and Impact

The Agri-Food Innovation Broker knows and understands:

• Technologies for evaluating relationships among climatic changes, pollution, and soil quality
• Methods for improving productivity of agricultural crops, reducing chemical fertilizers and plant protection products
• Advanced genetic techniques for plant breeding and innovative breeding assisted by molecular systems
• Ability to apply innovative techniques for soil remediation, manage cropping systems, and adopt innovative experimental designs

Learning Area 2: Innovative Techniques for Waste Reduction and Biomass Valorization

The Agri-Food Innovation Broker knows and understands:

• Flows of residual biomass from different production cycles
• Advances in biomass treatment processes for energy production
• Innovative technologies for producing soil improvers, biorefineries, and biomolecules of interest for the agri-food industry
• Ability to manage technologies for biomass use and recycling, identify methodological approaches for developing new processes, and evaluate fruit ripening dynamics

Learning Area 3: Educational Activities for Valorization of Enterprise and Soft Skills

The Agri-Food Innovation Broker knows and understands:

• Basic principles of bioeconomy, consequences of economic development on the environment, and economic strategies to reduce waste
• Criteria for assessing environmental impact, tools for economic management of innovation, and business strategies
• Ability to apply principles of bioeconomy, evaluate environmental impact, and apply tools for economic management of innovation

Risultati di Apprendimento Attesi (Expected Learning Outcomes)

The master's graduate in Innovation Development in Agri-Food Systems possesses awareness and autonomy of judgment, enabling them to analyze and evaluate current and future production scenarios, transfer innovative technologies, and manage cropping systems for energy production and bio-based sectors.

Prospettive (Career Prospects)

The Agri-Food Innovation Broker can work in various contexts, including:

• Freelance jobs
• Companies working in biomass recycling
• Smart companies working with Decision Support Systems (DSS) and sensors
• Bio-pharmaceutical companies
• Biorefineries and green chemistry industries
• Agriculture consortiums
• Large retailers
• Seed and Nursery Companies
• Public and private research
• Public administration

The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed in these careers and make a positive impact in the agri-food sector.