Roaring ahead in the fissures of neoliberalism, the Belfast region case

Summary

Powerful tendencies bring both advantages and adverse impacts to territories. De-industrialization in the UK has been occurring over many decades and the adaptation process to new socio-economic realities has been equally long and difficult. Other territories’ competitive advantages place added pressure on pioneer regions, requiring them to innovate constantly, even if only to make mere incremental gains. Decades of research on how places adapt to changing conditions have tended to privilege some of the better-known cases.

To what extent can we learn new lessons from studying the less well-known territories? How are some of those places dealing with competition from elsewhere? Can their stories help redefine and advance the existing agenda on placemaking, urban entrepreneurship, innovation, urban liveability, and wellbeing? New research on how secondary capital cities are shaping developmental processes has been published recently. However, places like the Belfast region have yet to be fully discovered.

This study attempts to fill a gap on how the Belfast region is advancing the development of its territorial amenities by capitalising on such clusters as the meds and eds, the high-tech sector, and the services industry. We welcome proposals that align with the following research objectives: to identify emerging advances in community design and planning, the higher-ed and high-tech innovation clusters, and urban liveability, wellbeing, and tourism; to pinpoint emerging cases in various cities and towns that constitute a distinct way of learning, working, and playing in the new economy of the post-pandemic era, while stewarding natural and cultural heritage assets; and, to distil lessons learned that can provide a clearer understanding of how territorial innovation is occurring regionally in Northern Ireland. The study is expected to make a unique contribution to new knowledge via an up-to-date understanding of both localized practice-based and scholarly-based regional advancements at influencing realities on the ground.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)
• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.