Mapping of qualification and transfer programmes
The transformation to an industrial bioeconomy is essential for the establishment of a climate-neutral circular economy. The industrial bioeconomy will introduce numerous new procedures and processes in industries such as the automotive, construction, chemical, energy, food, pharmaceutical, mechanical engineering and textile sectors, as well as industrial agriculture and forestry. The bioeconomic qualification programmes that already exist are discussed in the course of this research into the current situation. The study is based on an analysis of the databases biooekonomie.de and master-bio.de as well as the "Lexikon der Ausbildungsberufe (2023/24)" of the Federal Employment Agency and an internet search for the evaluation of other further and advanced training opportunities. Relevant study programmes and training courses were identified using specific search terms. Where possible, they were assigned to one or more sectors that are likely to be strongly affected by bioeconomic change.
In academia, there is already a wide range of degree programmes with a bioeconomy focus, particularly in the fields of biology, biotechnology and sustainability. Bioeconomy degree programmes also often overlap with several of the above-mentioned industrial sectors, which indicates a high degree of interdisciplinarity. There are particularly frequent intersections with the agriculture and forestry, energy, chemical and food industries. When searching for bioeconomy degree programmes in the two databases, it was also noticeable that they do not cover all bioeconomy degree programmes. For example, degree programmes in the fields of industrial engineering and design were missing.
In contrast to academic training, only five of the 1000 vocational training programmes listed could be found in connection with the selected search terms. There were only hits with the search terms "biotechnology", "sustainability" or "value creation process". At the same time, around a third of all listed vocational training programmes are located in sectors that will be influenced by the bioeconomic transformation. In addition, many of these professions have a high degree of interfaces with several sectors, which makes them interesting for the bioeconomy, as interdisciplinary thinking and action are an integral part of the transformation.
The search for further and advanced training courses proved to be difficult due to the lack of clarity on offer. There are only a few programmes specifically designed for the bioeconomy, which are often offered by several educational service providers at the same time. Although there is a wide range of courses on offer in the field of biotechnology, there is often no direct link to the industrial bioeconomy. Similarly, despite overview sites such as v.bio.de, it remains a challenge to find suitable training programmes that meet individual needs and specialist areas.
In a subsequent study, we want to identify new skills requirements and develop concepts for integrating these into initial and further training in order to qualify skilled workers for the industrial requirements of the bioeconomy.
If you have any questions or comments on this topic, please feel free to contact us: transbib@provadis-hochschule.de
Further information can be found in the attached report.