About

Julio is a Wood and Energy Analyst in the Materials, Engineering, and Manufacturing Team at Scion, based in Rotorua. With a strong background in resource economics, Julio began his career at Scion's Christchurch office as part of the Economy and Society Team. There, he specialised in modelling and forecasting, as well as conducting industry and market research, science, and technology development for the forestry, wood, wood-derived materials, and other biomaterial sectors. In his current role, Julio assesses multiple cutting-edge projects, focusing on the technoeconomic analysis of their processes and validating the market feasibility of their products and patents.

Qualifications

• PhD-Candidate, Global Value Chains and Trade, Lincoln University, 2024
• Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Rutgers University, 2018
• Master in International Affairs, Columbia University, 2012
• Bachelor in International Business, Politecnico Grancolombiano, 2009

Research capabilities

• Logistics
• Economics
• Market research
• Technoeconomic analysis

Career highlights

New Zealand 2024 Biosecurity Science Award - Marine Biosecurity Toolbox Research Programme. As a team member of the Marine Biosecurity Toolbox, I contributed to the work that won the 2024 New Zealand Biosecurity Science Award. This 5-year programme developed molecular tools and analytical platforms to detect and manage invasive marine pests, improving New Zealand's biosecurity capabilities. My role focused on economic modelling, assessing the cost and benefits of technologies, management actions, and scenarios. The tools allow monitoring to prevent pest establishment and respond to incursions. I'm honoured to have been part of this team protecting New Zealand's marine environments.

2016 Awarded as World Best X-Culture Instructor. Best instructor certificate awarded to Dr. Julio Cesar Botero who provided support in organizing and managing the X-Culture Global Collaboration Project involving theoretical months of practical experience as a member of a Global Virtual Team and development of a business proposal for an international company for 4,239 students from 112 Universities in 42.

Selected papers

Rombach, M., Botero, J., & Dean, D. L. (2024). Finding Nori—Understanding key factors driving US consumers’ commitment for sea-vegetable products. Sustainability, 16(5), 2107. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052107

Rombach, M., Botero, J., & Dean, D. L. (2024). Kelp wanted?! Understanding the drivers of US consumers’ willingness to buy and their willingness to pay a price premium for sea vegetables. Gastronomy, 2023, 1(1), 44-56. https://doi.org/10.3390/gastronomy1010005

Rombach, M., Botero, J., & Dean, D. (2023). Should I go back to the roots to obtain my food? Understanding key factors driving U.S. consumers’ preferences for food foraging over buying and growing food. Sustainability, 15, 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014845

Renwick, A., Radics, R., & Botero, J. (2023). Plant-based animal product alternatives and gluten-free markets - Opportunities and challenges for New Zealand. Journal (New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management), Mar 2023; v.27 n.1:p.29-33. https://natlib-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/fulldisplay?vid=NLNZ&docid=INNZ7183431930002837&context=L&search_scope=NLNZ

Li, J., Ma, W., Botero, J., & Phong, L. (2023). Mechanization in land preparation and irrigation water productivity: Insights from rice production. International Journal of Water Resources Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2023.2197080

Zheng, H., Ma, W., Li, J., & Botero, J. (2023). Relationship between internet use and negative affect. Applied Research in Quality of Life. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-023-10158-z

Vatsa, P., Li, J., Luu, P. Q., & Botero-R, J. C. (2022). Internet use and consumption diversity: Evidence from rural China. Review of Development Economics. https://doi.org/10.1111/rode.12935