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Circular Business Models for Sustainable Urban Food Systems

In a scenario where the world’s population will reach 9 billion people in 2050, with almost 70% of them concentrated in urban areas and requiring three times more resources than we currently use, the traditional 'linear economy' is no longer suitable.

In this course, you’ll discover how to design and build circular food systems for resilient, smart and sustainable cities.

You’ll explore the catalytic role of cities to foster healthy and inclusive food policies, adopting systems thinking, institutional innovation, and participatory approaches in order to fulfill the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Circular economy principles, concepts, and measurements as applied in food systems and within the context of the sdgs.
  • Challenges and opportunities for circular food systems.
  • Urban food policies and the role of cities towards circularity.
  • Business model innovation as a mechanism to foster circularity
  • Systems thinking as a guide for the assessment of strengths and challenges of circularity processes.
  • Public engagement and communication strategies for raising awareness and knowledge on circularity.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the application of circular economy principles to urban food systems, aligning with the growing interest in sustainable practices and resource management
Focuses on business model innovation as a key driver for circularity, providing practical insights for developing sustainable and resilient food systems
Examines the role of urban food policies in promoting circularity, offering a valuable perspective for those studying urban development and sustainability
Addresses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to circular food systems, which is relevant for professionals aiming to improve sustainability
Emphasizes the importance of achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is relevant to those interested in global sustainability efforts
Utilizes systems thinking as a framework for assessing circularity processes, which may require learners to familiarize themselves with this approach

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Circular Business Models for Sustainable Urban Food Systems with these activities:
Review Sustainable Development Goals
Familiarize yourself with the SDGs to better understand the context of circular food systems.
Browse courses on Sustainable Development Goals
Show steps
  • Explore the official UN website for the SDGs.
  • Identify the goals most relevant to food systems.
  • Summarize the key targets and indicators for those goals.
Read 'The Circular Economy: A User's Guide'
Gain a deeper understanding of the circular economy principles and their application to various industries.
View The Circular Economy: A User's Guide on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Circular Economy: A User's Guide'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to business models and systems thinking.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Create a Mind Map of Circular Food Systems
Visualize the interconnectedness of elements within a circular food system to reinforce systems thinking.
Show steps
  • Identify the key components of a circular food system (e.g., production, processing, distribution, consumption, waste management).
  • Map the relationships and flows between these components.
  • Add examples of circular practices for each component.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Food Policy for Developing Countries'
Understand the policy context surrounding food systems, particularly in developing countries.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Food Policy for Developing Countries'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to urban food systems and policy interventions.
  • Take notes on key policy recommendations and case studies.
Design a Circular Food Business Model
Apply the concepts learned in the course to develop a practical and innovative circular business model.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific food system challenge in an urban context.
  • Develop a business model that addresses this challenge using circular economy principles.
  • Outline the key value propositions, resources, and activities of your business model.
  • Create a presentation summarizing your business model.
Develop a Data Visualization of Urban Food Flows
Visualize data related to urban food production, consumption, and waste to identify opportunities for circularity.
Show steps
  • Gather data on food production, consumption, and waste in a specific urban area.
  • Choose a suitable data visualization tool (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
  • Create visualizations that highlight key trends and patterns.
  • Write a short report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
Volunteer at a Local Food Bank or Urban Farm
Gain practical experience and contribute to a more sustainable food system in your community.
Show steps
  • Research local food banks or urban farms in your area.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities, such as sorting food, planting crops, or assisting with distribution.

Career center

Learners who complete Circular Business Models for Sustainable Urban Food Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Circular Economy Specialist
A circular economy specialist develops and promotes strategies that are designed to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization. This course is directly relevant to this emerging role. The core focus of this course is on the practical applications of circular economy principles within food systems, which is the cornerstone of this role. The course's emphasis on systems thinking, business model innovation, and urban food policies are all relevant to the work of a circular economy specialist. Understanding the role of cities in promoting circularity is also helpful. This course prepares you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing circular systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Circular Economy Specialist
Sustainability Program Manager
A sustainability program manager develops and oversees sustainability initiatives within an organization, and this course is directly relevant to this role. The course emphasizes circular economy principles in food systems, providing a framework for creating effective sustainability programs. Course materials on urban food policies and business model innovation are directly applicable to the strategy of the program. You will learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with circularity, which will help you design effective, impactful programs. The course also covers public engagement, which is a critical aspect of many sustainability programs, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a guide for many corporate sustainability programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Program Manager
Sustainability Consultant
A sustainability consultant advises organizations on strategies to minimize their environmental impact, and this course provides a strong foundation for that role. This course emphasizes circular economy principles within food systems, especially in urban contexts, which are vital parts of a consultant's toolkit. The course's focus on systems thinking, business model innovation, and public engagement equips consultants to create effective, sustainable strategies. You'll develop a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in creating circular food systems, which will enable you to help organizations implement impactful and sustainable models. This course's focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals aligns directly with the objectives of many sustainability initiatives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A corporate social responsibility manager develops and implements strategies that align with a company’s social and environmental impact goals, and this course provides a strong foundation for that role. The course’s emphasis on circular economy principles within food systems will allow a manager to develop more relevant and impactful programs. The course materials on business model innovation, urban food policies and public engagement will guide the development of strategies. The UN Sustainable Development Goals are also directly relevant to the work of this role. This course will help create a more holistic approach to social responsibility.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Food Policy Advocate
A food policy advocate works to influence policymaking related to food systems, and this course provides a strong foundation for that kind of work. The course's focus on circular economy principles in urban food systems directly aligns with goals of policy advocates. The emphasis on inclusive food policies and participatory approaches will help you develop policy proposals that are equitable and effective. This course also provides context on the Sustainable Development Goals, which are helpful for advocacy efforts. The knowledge gained about business model innovation and public engagement will strengthen the advocate's ability to influence policy through effective arguments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Policy Advocate
Food Systems Analyst
A food systems analyst examines the various components of food production, distribution, and consumption to identify areas for improvement and sustainability, and this course is directly relevant to that role. The course focuses on circular economy principles in the context of food systems, which is central to the work of a food systems analyst. The course's emphasis on understanding the challenges and opportunities of circular food systems, as well as the role of cities in fostering these systems, enhances your ability to analyze and improve food systems effectively. Additionally, this course's understanding of business model innovation can be a valuable tool for a food systems analyst looking to promote sustainable changes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Systems Analyst
Business Development Manager
A business development manager focuses on creating new business opportunities and building strategic partnerships, and this course offers a novel lens for growth within food sectors. This course's emphasis on business model innovation within circular food systems is highly relevant for developing new sustainable business approaches. Understanding the challenges and opportunities within circularity allows a business development manager to identify and pursue viable ventures. The course's focus on systems thinking within urban environments will help a business development manager identify emerging markets. This course also emphasizes sustainability, a key concern for many businesses today.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager
Food Entrepreneur
A food entrepreneur starts and manages a food-related business, and this course can offer a significant advantage for those focused on sustainable practices. The course's emphasis on circular economy principles within food systems is crucial for a food entrepreneur who wants to focus on sustainability. This course's focus on business model innovation is particularly useful for creating new business models. The course also introduces opportunities within urban food policies, which may lead to new ventures. The course's focus on systems thinking and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will help food entrepreneurs create companies that have social and environmental impact.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Entrepreneur
Urban Planner
An urban planner designs and develops strategies for the physical growth and management of cities, and this course may be useful for a prospective urban planner. Urban planners aim to create sustainable and resilient urban environments. This course's specific focus on designing circular food systems within cities is extremely relevant to planning for food security and resource management in urban environments. The course encourages consideration of inclusive food policies and the use of participatory approaches, which are both useful for creating equitable and sustainable urban plans. This course also helps build a foundation for systems thinking, which is relevant to understanding the complexities of urban food systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
Nonprofit Program Director
A nonprofit program director manages and leads specific programs within a nonprofit organization, and this course is beneficial for leading programs related to food systems. This course’s focus on circular economy principles in food systems helps create strategies for implementing sustainability programs. The course materials cover topics such as urban food policies, business model innovation, and public engagement, which are all vital components of a successful nonprofit program. The course’s emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals allows for a nonprofit director to align programming to broader efforts. This course also helps build a foundation for systems thinking, which is useful for program leadership.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Director
Environmental Educator
An environmental educator teaches about sustainability and environmental stewardship, and this course may be useful for those working with food systems. This course offers a unique lens into circular food systems, which is a critical area for environmental education. This course's coverage of public engagement will help educators communicate the benefits of these systems effectively. The course’s materials on the challenges and opportunities of circularity will guide education programs. Understanding business model innovation and the role that cities play in fostering sustainability will help in the design of effective education programs. This course will also be helpful in teaching about the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator
Supply Chain Manager
A supply chain manager oversees the flow of goods and services from production to consumption, and this course's unique focus can be very helpful. This course’s emphasis on circular food systems provides a new way of thinking about supply chain management. The course helps you understand how to minimize waste and improve resource utilization within a supply chain. This course may also help a manager understand new opportunities around public engagement linked to the supply chain. You'll also gain insights into integrating sustainable practices into the supply chain, aligning with growing demands for environmentally responsible products and processes. This course's emphasis on systems thinking encourages a more comprehensive approach to supply chain management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager
Environmental Policy Analyst
An environmental policy analyst researches and develops policies to address environmental issues, and this course may be useful for those working on food system policy. This course's emphasis on circular economy principles and their application to food systems is directly relevant to policy development. The focus on the role of cities in promoting circularity, combined with discussions of inclusive food policies, can help inform the creation of sound policies. This course's emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provides a framework for policy development that can help guide your work. This course also covers public engagement, which is vital to create policies that are acceptable to the community.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst
Research Scientist
A research scientist designs and conducts experiments to generate new knowledge, often requiring an advanced degree. This course may be useful for research scientists looking to focus on food systems. The course covers the principles of circular economy within food systems and their application to sustainable development goals. This course's emphasis on systems thinking helps a research scientist understand the complex interactions in food systems. The course challenges you to think about the challenges and opportunities associated with circularity which can inspire research questions. The focus on urban environments also pinpoints specific research areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Community Health Educator
A community health educator works to promote health and well-being within communities through education, and this course may be useful for educators focusing on sustainable food systems. This course offers insights into the importance of circular food systems for creating healthier urban environments, which is an important tool for a community health educator. This course's coverage of public engagement techniques will also allow educators to more effectively communicate why better food systems are important. You will learn how to communicate the benefits of sustainable food practices to a community. This course's focus on inclusive food policies helps community educators advocate for equitable access to healthy food for all.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Educator

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Circular Business Models for Sustainable Urban Food Systems.
Cover image
The Circular Economy
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the circular economy concept, its principles, and practical applications. It valuable resource for understanding the theoretical foundations of circularity. It also provides real-world examples of circular business models. This book is highly relevant as it provides a strong foundation for understanding the core concepts of the course.
The Circular Economy: A User's Guide
Paperback
$$
The Circular Economy: A User's Guide
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of food policy issues in developing countries. It valuable resource for understanding the challenges and opportunities for creating sustainable food systems in these contexts. It covers topics such as food security, nutrition, and agricultural development. This book is useful for understanding the broader context of food systems and the role of policy in promoting circularity.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
EIT Food
Session
December 31, 2024 - December 30, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Explores the application of circular economy principles to urban food systems, aligning with the growing interest in sustainable practices and resource management
Focuses on business model innovation as a key driver for circularity, providing practical insights for developing sustainable and resilient food systems
Examines the role of urban food policies in promoting circularity, offering a valuable perspective for those studying urban development and sustainability
Addresses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to circular food systems, which is relevant for professionals aiming to improve sustainability
Emphasizes the importance of achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is relevant to those interested in global sustainability efforts
Utilizes systems thinking as a framework for assessing circularity processes, which may require learners to familiarize themselves with this approach
Share and help others discover this course.
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