The RU1, within the Department of Economic Studies, is engaged in research relating to the world of production (products, processes and production systems) and services. The most significant areas of activity concern the agri-food production and supply chains, the tourism sector and the manufacturing industry, with particular attention to the production systems of the regional territory. The variables investigated are technological, but also organizational-managerial, with particular emphasis on aspects of quality and certification, measurement of efficiency, reduction of waste (e.g. Lean Manufacturing), economic, environmental and social impact assessment. Researches are inspired by the principles of Industrial Ecology, from which the main methodologies and investigation tools derive, e.g. approaches based on the life cycle (Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Costing, Social Life Cycle Assessment) and "closed-loop" cycles (Industrial Symbiosis, Urban Metabolism), borrowed from the paradigm of Sustainable Development and Circular Economy. Particularly significant are the results achieved in terms of simplification of assessment tools and the sustainable development of local production systems. 

The RU2, within the Ionian Department of Law, Economics and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, is engaged in research relating to the application of the “Life Cycle” paradigm to product systems (including agri-food systems). Specifically, the members of the unit have been carrying out research involving the application of life cycle thinking methods to agri-food systems, both from a methodological and operational perspective. The research activities of the group embrace various themes of product category, industrial ecology, circular economy and green economy, production cycle technology, quality control techniques and environmental certification. The in-depth research topics concern the efficient use of resources and energy, emission control, cleaner technologies, soil protection, waste reduction and treatment, standards on environmental management systems and of eco-labelling (Ecolabel, EPD, PEF and OEF) and above all the standards of the ISO 14040 series on product life cycle assessment (LCA).

The Institute of BioEconomy of the National Research Council – CNR IBE is a Research Institution with a permanent scientific staff of about 200 either researchers or technicians. It is actively involved in research, technology development and transfer, training and dissemination in the bioeconomy and environmental fields. CNR IBE activities aim at developing methods, models, tools and indicators for monitoring and modelling Mediterranean forest and agricultural ecosystems, with the aim of providing quantitative information for the protection and sustainable use of agro-environmental resources. The research areas of the RU3 include the definition of mitigation strategies and adaptation to global changes, as well as the development of sustainable systems for the use of bio-resources for food, manufacturing, to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of livestock and farming systems, by the development of advanced agronomic methods and encouraging their use in practice to meet the needs of farmers, consumers and markets. CNR IBE has gained substantial experience in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) applications and correlated models and tools, participating (and leading) national and European research projects, with the specific role of analysing the environmental performances of agricultural systems and food products. The team of RU3 share parallel research interests and collaborate in research works oriented to the valorization of sheep products/sub-products applying circular economy criteria and to the enhancement of livestock/agricultural systems sustainability using precision farming tools.