Management of technologies, innovation and sustainability

VANESSA GIANNETTI

LEARNING TARGETS

The course is intended to provide, on one hand, the knowledge and skills likely to define strategies, programs and technical choices of investment in the energy sector, also in the light of the new energy paradigm linked to changing economic balances in the world and to the anthropic pressures on the environment - with particular reference to the production and rational consumption of energy (and the consequent financial savings) and to the operation of the energy and environmental markets. The course also provides the knowledge and skills also within the scope of the eco-sustainability, explaining the interest toward the new economic models that should belong to the green growth (blue economy, green economy, sharing economy and circular economy). A further application part - that consists of seminars, within the scope of the Laboratory for Energy efficiency - is planned.

The learning targets may also be declined on the basis of the five descriptors of Dublin, according to the following scheme:

A. Knowledge and understanding
Ability to acquire knowledge about the use of energy sources and on the operation of the national and community energy system, also in the light of the new paradigm of distributed electricity generation. Acquisition of knowledge on Community policies in the energy-environment field with particular reference to energy efficiency in the end uses and the White Economy. Acquisition of knowledge of the supply chain in the energy sector: from production to distribution (e.g. oil & gas industry and renewable industry); the role of the involved players and of the operation of the main energy and environmental markets (electric and gas market and artificial markets of the environment). Ability to acquire knowledge about the new economic models (sharing, blue, green and circular economy) to support the protection of natural and energy resources and sustainable development with references to specific case studies. Development of learning ability necessary to acquire new skills through subsequent study paths (targeted) and/or professional field experiences.

B. Applying knowledge and understanding
To apply acquired knowledge to understand how it can be possible to elaborate energy sustainable scenarios also in the light of energy strategies at national and EU level. To apply the other acquired knowledge in the context of eco-sustainability to promote new models of sustainable development.

C. Making judgements

A specific capacity of critical evaluation of energy choices, even in the light of the recent energy-environmental policies and strategies both at national and at Community level (e.g. EU Roadmaps), is requested. Also a critical evaluation of the most suitable solutions to a sustainable management of resources and of the end of life of products is requested, with a particular reference to the green growth models.

D. Communication skills
A good capacity of exposure of acquired knowledge is required, verified through either carrying out of written tests and - when possible - during the participation to classroom lessons or to seminars, held by external experts, always using an appropriate technical language.

F. Learning skills
Ability to learn and tackling the issues introduced by the course with the appropriate language. Ability to provide an update of the knowledge acquired in the specific sector, even with the use of ICT.

The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to define strategies, programs, and technical investment choices in the energy sector. The analysis is conducted in light of the new energy paradigm driven by evolving global economic balances and pressing environmental challenges, with a focus on sustainable production, rational energy consumption, and the functioning of energy and environmental markets.
Furthermore, the course explores the dimensions of eco-sustainability and new economic models oriented towards Green Growth (green, blue, sharing, and circular economy). Teaching includes an applied component delivered through seminar activities within the Energy Efficiency Laboratory.
The learning outcomes are structured according to the five Dublin Descriptors:
1. Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will be able to: Understand the use of energy sources and the functioning of national and EU energy systems, with a focus on the new paradigm of distributed power generation. Frame European policies in the energy-environmental domain, with particular reference to end-use energy efficiency, energy savings, and related incentive mechanisms. Understand the energy sector supply chain from production to distribution (e.g., oil & gas and renewable industries), including the roles of involved stakeholders and the operational mechanisms of major energy and environmental markets (electricity, gas, and environmental permit markets). Analyze new economic models (sharing, blue, green, and circular economy) oriented towards the protection of natural resources and sustainable development, also through case studies.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the course, students will be able to: Apply acquired knowledge to analyze and evaluate sustainable energy scenarios, in line with national and European strategies and directives. Utilize skills in eco-sustainability to design, promote, and evaluate new models of sustainable industrial development.
3. Making Judgements
By the end of the course, students will be able to: Critically evaluate energy choices in light of evolving national and European energy-environmental policies and Roadmaps. Independently select and examine the most suitable solutions for the eco-compatible and sustainable management of resources and end-of-life product management, contextualizing them within the principles of new economic development models (green growth and circular economy).
4. Communication Skills
By the end of the course, students will be able to: Present concepts related to energy economics, market regulation, and environmental sustainability clearly. Use technical-scientific language appropriate to the discipline, both during lectures and during seminars delivered by external experts.
5. Learning Skills
By the end of the course, students will be able to: Independently update their knowledge and skills over time by critically consulting sector reports, regulatory developments, and relevant scientific literature. Pursue further studies or successfully enter operational contexts in the fields of energy management and ecological transition.

No specific prior knowledge is required to understand the course content and achieve the learning outcomes. However, for active and effective participation in class activities, students are strongly encouraged to stay consistently updated on current issues related to key contemporary environmental, social, and economic challenges.

The study material, prepared by the professor, is available at the "Centro Copie Universitario" (Via Borelli 15, Rome) and is sufficient to ensure complete preparation for the exam.

The course is structured around interactive lectures designed to encourage active student participation and collaborative discussion on the topics covered. Teaching activities will be complemented by the presentation and analysis of audiovisual materials, used to stimulate reflection and provide empirical context for the course content.

Class attendance is strongly recommended. Regular presence in class and active participation in discussions serve as fundamental support for achieving the learning outcomes of the course.

The exam consists of a 40-minute written test designed to assess the acquisition of the knowledge and skills outlined in the course learning outcomes.
The test comprises 25–30 questions covering all the main topics of the syllabus, structured as follows: multiple-choice questions; True/False questions; short open-ended questions.
Attendance and active participation in lectures and class discussions are valued elements that will positively contribute to the final grade.
There are no mid-term exams or early exam sessions. Incoming international exchange students will be assessed using the same examination methods.

The written exam will be held in Italian.

• MODULE 1: General concepts and contextual framework (12 lectures)
  
  This module provides the fundamental interpretative framework for
  understanding contemporary energy systems. Starting from the historical
  evolution of energy technologies and the transitions that have characterized
  economic development, it examines global and national consumption patterns as
  well as the structure of energy balances through the use of key energy,
  economic-energy, and environmental indicators. Finally, European and national
  policies regarding decarbonization, rational energy use, and Green Economy
  strategies are analyzed.
  • Books: Study materials are available at the "Centro Copie
    
    Universitario" at Via Borelli 15, Rome.


• MODULE 2: Energy Technologies, Supply Chains, and Distribution Networks (12 lectures)This module analyzes the technological and industrial dimensions of energy production and distribution. It delves into the conventional supply chain of the Oil & Gas Industry and its transformation, comparing it with the renewable energy industry (solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, and new energy carriers). Particular attention is dedicated to the evolution of the energy system toward the distributed generation paradigm, the development of transmission and distribution networks (smart grids), energy storage systems, and the integration of supply chains within the broader energy supply chain.
  • Books: Study materials are available at the "Centro Copie
    
    Universitario" at Via Borelli 15, Rome.


• MODULE 3: Energy Markets, Efficiency, and Sustainability (12 lectures)This module addresses the economic, regulatory, and strategic dimensions of the energy transition. It analyzes electricity costs, the liberalization process, and the functioning of energy markets (electricity and gas markets) and environmental markets (EU ETS system). Regulatory mechanisms and instruments supporting energy efficiency (Energy Efficiency Certificates - EEC) and energy management systems (ISO 16001) are explored in detail. The module concludes by examining the impact of digital transformation, bioeconomy and circular economy models, as well as the topics of sustainable packaging and material circularity.
  • Books: Study materials are available at the "Centro Copie
    
    Universitario" at Via Borelli 15, Rome.


• Energy efficiency Laboratory (Activities to be defined)Applied activities designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with operational analysis. The laboratory includes seminars delivered by industry experts, energy managers, and representatives from relevant organizations and institutions.
  • Books: Study materials are available at the "Centro Copie
    
    Universitario" at Via Borelli 15, Rome.